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Grading the NY Giants 2022 rookie class after Year 1 with Brian Daboll

By Zak Musso

New York Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal, left, and New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) on the field for warmups before a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 21, 2022, in East Rutherford.Nfl Ny Giants Preseason Game Vs Bengals Bengals At Giants
New York Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal, left, and New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) on the field for warmups before a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 21, 2022, in East Rutherford.Nfl Ny Giants Preseason Game Vs Bengals Bengals At Giants /
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Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) scores a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) scores a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4, Pick 112: TE Daniel Bellinger

Daniel Bellinger was one of the best picks Schoen made last April. The tight end was limited to just 11 games due to a scary eye injury, but still managed to haul in 30 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns. He also added another rushing touchdown in the Giants London victory over the Packers.

Bellinger was known as a run-blocking tight end in college, but really flashed in the passing game, becoming one of Jones’ most reliable pass-catching options, and he even caught a playoff touchdown. The Dan-to-Dan connection is one we could be seeing for the long haul.

Grade: A-

Round 4, Pick 114: S Dane Belton

Belton struggled in 2022, albeit in limited action. The rookie out of Iowa suffered a broken collarbone in training camp, which put him behind the eight ball from the start. Belton was given a horrendous 30.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

Belton played a fair amount early in the season before falling out of favor with the defensive coaches. The one positive about Belton’s rookie season is that he showed some serious improvement throughout the season, and even picked off Jalen Hurts in the regular-season finale. He needs to show major improvements in 2023.

Grade: C-

Round 5, Pick 146: LB Micah McFadden

McFadden had one of the biggest roles of the Giants 2022 rookie class. The inside linebacker began to receive significant playing time in Big Blue’s loss at Seattle, and even took over as the Giants second starting linebacker alongside Jaylon Smith.

McFadden displayed some promise, especially with his tackling and pass-rushing, but was removed from his starting role and was even a healthy scratch for the Giants two postseason games. Despite the disappointing end to his season, a fifth-round pick who cracks the starting lineup in his rookie season has to be doing something right.

Grade: B

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