NY Giants Day 2
Round 4, No. 112: Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State
One of the better run-blocking tight ends in the class, Bellinger had 0 drops last season at San Diego state – two attributes in a tight end the Giants were lacking in the Gettleman era. He’s drawn comparisons to Dawson Knox, someone who brought success to Brian Daboll during his time in Buffalo. He fits what the Giants needed, and brings the versatility to provide an option for Daniel Jones in the passing game as well as more than hold his own in run blocking.
Grade: B+
Round 4, No. 114: Dane Belton, S, Iowa
Belton played as a hybrid-type player for Iowa this past season, seeing snaps at both safety and outside linebacker. Wink Martindale likes playing “position-less defense” and Belton will fit right in.
He had 46 tackles as well as 7 pass breakups and 5 interceptions. His defensive versatility is his best attribute and with a 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL combine he certainly has the speed to come on the blitz – something Martindale likes to do with all his defensive players.
Grade: B
Round 5, No. 146: Micah McFadden, LB, Indiana
Another player who exceeded while blitzing in his collegiate career, McFadden had the highest pass-rushing grade for an off-the-ball linebacker in the nation last season according to PFF. It is clear the Giants are building a defense fit for Martindale and McFadden is a perfect linebacker for it.
He’s strong against the run and led Indiana in tackles last season. He lacks some athleticism but with a depleted inside linebacker group will certainly compete for a starting job in training camp. He has special teams experience as well, so will definitely see action for the Giants this season.
Grade: A-
Round 5, No. 147: D.J. Davidson, DT, Arizona State
Nose tackle was an under-the-radar need for this roster. Davidson is a 6-foot-3, 330lbs run stuffer and can add some value to this team. He will likely fit in behind free agent signing Justin Ellis on the depth chart but will be given a chance to impress in training camp.
Grade: C
Round 5, No. 173: Marcus McKethan, OG, North Carolina
The Giants doubled up on North Carolina guards, selecting the monster 6-foot-6, 340 lbs McKethan. The depth along the whole offensive line has been non-existent for years in New York and is clearly the unit Schoen and the new front office have committed the most to improve.
Bobby Johnson obviously liked what he saw at the Tar Heels’ pro day and will look to develop McKethan behind what is now a much-improved unit compared with 2021. As you would expect with a fifth-round pick he is a long way from a starting-level prospect at this stage, but Giants fans know better than most that anything can happen with a few injuries on the offensive line.
Grade: C+
Round 6, No. 182: Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati
Beavers is in consideration for my favorite Giants pick in the whole draft. Don’t let his draft position fool you, he is a genuine chance to end up a starting inside linebacker on this roster. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award this past season, considered with the likes of Nakobe Dean, Devin Lloyd, and Leo Chenal.
He offers value in a blitz-heavy scheme, something the Giants are likely to be in 2022 and at the very least his special teams experience means he will see action during the season. With Blake Martinez coming back from an ACL injury and Tae Crowder certainly not a lock to be a starter, it is not a stretch to expect Beavers could see serious playing time in Martindale’s defense in 2022 and beyond.