The Other Tight End.

last year before his injury. Hopefully the extra bulk will translate to improved blocking

I think he did a good job last year overall for a rookie season. Logic dictates he should be better in his second season barring injury and on top of it less focus on him in the passing game due to more options should lead to an increase in production. Having said that knowing our luck he will get injured in camp.

is going to be assumed to be blocking on some key 3rd down/redzone plays and the defense will forget about him and he's going to grab some clutch balls this year even if his overall receiving numbers arent impressive.

was WAY better as a receiver than his college career and scouting reports suggested.

When he was healthy, we was a legit weapon for us. He's not Waller, but he can hurt a defense. More importantly, he's a two-way TE and he's getting bigger and stronger now. Expect VERY good things from him.

12 personnel will the way to go a lot of the time.

Bellinger's floor to me is Jake Ballard.

To Waller and Bellinger. That’s what you call an upgrade. Nice work by the FO.

forget Lawrence Cager. He's going to make this team too.

Was better than Ballards and pretty good for a true TE. (Walker is a converted WR). Daboll can move those 2 all over the place and put a ton of pressure on the defense.

his negatives were mostly mental, not physical. Bulking up is fine, but hopefully he also developed between the ears and puts those rookie miscues behind him.

In comment 16123525 Pepe LePugh said:

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his negatives were mostly mental, not physical. Bulking up is fine, but hopefully he also developed between the ears and puts those rookie miscues behind him.

Not sure what miscues you are referencing.

Both as a contender for best TE2 in the league this year and as a guy that can emerge as a legitimate top 3 option in a good NFL passing game down the road. I don't think he'll ever be a mismatch-level receiving threat but could emerge as a top 10 two way TE in the mold of a Dalton Schultz.

He was doing great before the injury.

I'm sorry if this sounds blasphemous but he will be Bavaro-esque

In comment 16123526 Eric from BBI said:

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In comment 16123525 Pepe LePugh said: Quote: his negatives were mostly mental, not physical. Bulking up is fine, but hopefully he also developed between the ears and puts those rookie miscues behind him. Not sure what miscues you are referencing.

Yeah, that is a weird statement. He was our starter as a rookie. TE might be the hardest position to adjust to in the NFL. The fact that he was starting and productive speaks volumes about him knowing his role. I'm not saying he was perfect and never messed up but if he couldn't grasp the offense or was hurting them with mental mistakes then he wouldn't be on the field. Hell, look at who started at WR for us early in the season. Sills didn't play a ton because he is physically dominanting people. He was starting because the coaching staff trusted him to do what they wanted him to do. Same with Bellinger.

and when we lost him with an eye injury, our offense noticeably took a step backwards.

specifically for a 4th round rookie and I had him pegged as a guy slated to make a big jump even before Waller was acquired.

I have high hopes for him and having 2 good TEs will provide and advantage to our creative offensive staff.

is going to continue and develop into a solid TE. One who can block as well as be a good receiver.

for Waller-Belly-Cager

Waller is pro bowl/all pro player. I think Bellinger is an above average starter and Cager has some size/speed traits that jump off the screen when you watch him. Dare I say he looks like a poor man’s Waller?

This TE room is finally back after years in the abyss and the disappointment that was Evan Engram.

big question on Waller is not "can he stay healthy", it's how long can he play at a high level given his age? Based on early returns, the guy is still a nightmare to cover now.

With Waller on the team, you can expect Bellinger to be able to take advantage of the attention that Waller gets. I think Waller has a HUGE year like Kelce did this year. No, I don't expect him to put up similar numbers as what Kelce did was just insane. But, I expect Waller to have the same impact that Kelce has in being the number 1 target for our offense and have everything else work off of that. We focus on Daboll and the offenses he came from. But look at Kafka in KC. We all know Reid well enough to know that he didn't always favor WR. It was a huge deal when Philly went out and got Owens. In KC, the struck gold with Hill late in the draft but overall their WR corps has never need that good. They still have a potent offense. Yes, we all wanted that true number 1 WR. I am not diminishing that fact at all. What I am saying is that we have guys on our staff and in uniform that can still make this a good offense. I kikd of like the approach as top notch WRs get paid over 20 mil per year whereas Waller is getting like 10. We have a much more diverse group at WR to be able to take advantage of their strengths with mixing and matching those players on situations, games, and matchups. It is going to be fun. Coaches love this type of stuff.

In comment 16123548 robbieballs2003 said:

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With Waller on the team, you can expect Bellinger to be able to take advantage of the attention that Waller gets. I think Waller has a HUGE year like Kelce did this year. No, I don't expect him to put up similar numbers as what Kelce did was just insane. But, I expect Waller to have the same impact that Kelce has in being the number 1 target for our offense and have everything else work off of that. We focus on Daboll and the offenses he came from. But look at Kafka in KC. We all know Reid well enough to know that he didn't always favor WR. It was a huge deal when Philly went out and got Owens. In KC, the struck gold with Hill late in the draft but overall their WR corps has never need that good. They still have a potent offense. Yes, we all wanted that true number 1 WR. I am not diminishing that fact at all. What I am saying is that we have guys on our staff and in uniform that can still make this a good offense. I kikd of like the approach as top notch WRs get paid over 20 mil per year whereas Waller is getting like 10. We have a much more diverse group at WR to be able to take advantage of their strengths with mixing and matching those players on situations, games, and matchups. It is going to be fun. Coaches love this type of stuff.

Yup. I mentioned a few weeks ago that Waller opens things up for Saquon and the receivers. I mentioned this past week that he really will open things up for Bellinger. Remember, at one point last year, the receiver teams were focusing on was Bellinger. So think about what that means now with Waller on the field.

In comment 16123531 robbieballs2003 said:

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In comment 16123526 Eric from BBI said: Quote: In comment 16123525 Pepe LePugh said: Quote: his negatives were mostly mental, not physical. Bulking up is fine, but hopefully he also developed between the ears and puts those rookie miscues behind him. Not sure what miscues you are referencing. Yeah, that is a weird statement. He was our starter as a rookie. TE might be the hardest position to adjust to in the NFL. The fact that he was starting and productive speaks volumes about him knowing his role. I'm not saying he was perfect and never messed up but if he couldn't grasp the offense or was hurting them with mental mistakes then he wouldn't be on the field. Hell, look at who started at WR for us early in the season. Sills didn't play a ton because he is physically dominanting people. He was starting because the coaching staff trusted him to do what they wanted him to do. Same with Bellinger.

A lot higher rated guys fail at TE all the time going from college to the NFL. One year isn't enough to say for sue but the guy waaaay out played his draft slot IMO. And as Eric noted offense took a big hit without him. 12 personnel w him and Waller is going to be a huge upgrade from last year. NO reason to think he can't get better too. Think he's going to be open a lot

In comment 16123542 Chris684 said:

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for Waller-Belly-Cager Waller is pro bowl/all pro player. I think Bellinger is an above average starter and Cager has some size/speed traits that jump off the screen when you watch him. Dare I say he looks like a poor man’s Waller? This TE room is finally back after years in the abyss and the disappointment that was Evan Engram.

It was in bad shape even before Engram. And when they finally decided to pick a TE with a 1st, it was Engram. Yeesh.

His TE centric offense front w Pats who nailed it for years w Gronk and Hernandez. Granted Kelce is a sure fire first ballot HOF guy who allows Reid to really maximize a lot of options. And it was mentioned in the Belichick thread TEs cost a lot less than WRs. Just a lot harder to find IMO

Bell is the more traditional inline TE, and Waller will be the move TE.

In comment 16123530 Nephilim said:

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He was doing great before the injury. I'm sorry if this sounds blasphemous but he will be Bavaro-esque

Bavaro smashed up his jaw, got it wired shut on the sideline with rusty wires and a plier and got back in the game because he was afraid to disappoint his teammates.

(ok I might have exaggerated the whole pliers thing)

With Bellinger and Cager as the 1st and 2nd string tight ends.

So I’m pretty damn good with our tight end situation now lo l

In comment 16123556 LauderdaleMatty said:

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In comment 16123531 robbieballs2003 said: Quote: In comment 16123526 Eric from BBI said: Quote: In comment 16123525 Pepe LePugh said: Quote: his negatives were mostly mental, not physical. Bulking up is fine, but hopefully he also developed between the ears and puts those rookie miscues behind him. Not sure what miscues you are referencing. Yeah, that is a weird statement. He was our starter as a rookie. TE might be the hardest position to adjust to in the NFL. The fact that he was starting and productive speaks volumes about him knowing his role. I'm not saying he was perfect and never messed up but if he couldn't grasp the offense or was hurting them with mental mistakes then he wouldn't be on the field. Hell, look at who started at WR for us early in the season. Sills didn't play a ton because he is physically dominanting people. He was starting because the coaching staff trusted him to do what they wanted him to do. Same with Bellinger. A lot higher rated guys fail at TE all the time going from college to the NFL. One year isn't enough to say for sue but the guy waaaay out played his draft slot IMO. And as Eric noted offense took a big hit without him. 12 personnel w him and Waller is going to be a huge upgrade from last year. NO reason to think he can't get better too. Think he's going to be open a lot

Don’t get me wrong, I was thrilled with his production last year. The fumble against Vikes and procedure penalty in the red zone (forget which game) killed drives. I felt these were mental errors that gave me some reservations. Just saying I hope he shows these were just growing pains of a rookie, and he settles in.

I hear you, but one game is not a pattern.

If anything, Bellinger was astoundingly reliable as a rookie with what could have been a career-threatening eye injury.

I was really worried about him when his eye almost got poked out in Jacksonville. He's a helluva young player with a lot to offer. I'm looking forward to the jump he'll make between his rookie year and his upcoming sophomore season.

In comment 16123516 Eric from BBI said:

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was WAY better as a receiver than his college career and scouting reports suggested. When he was healthy, we was a legit weapon for us. He's not Waller, but he can hurt a defense. More importantly, he's a two-way TE and he's getting bigger and stronger now. Expect VERY good things from him. 12 personnel will the way to go a lot of the time.

Agree that 12 personnel will be our base.

I don't know if the NYG will have a "base" offense or "defense" anymore.

In comment 16123517 Eric from BBI said:

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Bellinger's floor to me is Jake Ballard.

Think he may be slightly faster than Ballard ( who I never saw enough of to get a feel of his level of play)

In comment 16123622 Eric from BBI said:

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I don't know if the NYG will have a "base" offense or "defense" anymore.

Well, I don't either, of course. I just see NYG using 12 personnel a lot, especially on first down. I could be wrong. But it makes a lot of sense to have Waller and Bellinger on the field at the same time.

Especially given the reports that the Giants are lining up Waller as a receiver quite a bit.

There are 2 TE positions (F and Y).

F is in-line, Y is detached.

I see Bellinger playing the F with Waller at Y and even some pure WR.

In comment 16123623 Payasdaddy said:

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In comment 16123517 Eric from BBI said: Quote: Bellinger's floor to me is Jake Ballard. Think he may be slightly faster than Ballard ( who I never saw enough of to get a feel of his level of play)

Slightly faster? Bellinger ran a 4.63 at the Combine. Ballard ran a 4.84 at his Pro Day. To be fair, Ballard was an inch taller and 20 pounds heavier.

I loved Ballard. I even wrote a song about him. But fleet of foot he was not.

He's a very good athlete. He was kind of overrated in that department when we drafted because of his RAS and overall testing numbers but the pendulum has swung the other way in that department. He's a very good athlete for a pure tight end. Just because he doesn't have that burst that some of the big slot/move tight ends do, doesn't mean he can run. He's got some build up speed for sure. And he's big and strong. Judging by the pics coming out of OTAs, it looks like hes gotten bigger and stronger this offseason as well.

In comment 16123623 Payasdaddy said:

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In comment 16123517 Eric from BBI said: Quote: Bellinger's floor to me is Jake Ballard. Think he may be slightly faster than Ballard ( who I never saw enough of to get a feel of his level of play)

Bellinger is a better athlete. That's why I said I see his floor as Ballard. His ceiling is TBD.

very good post

And the offense did indeed noticeably miss him when he was out.

As does Hodgins.

Mentioned Bellinger as one of the top exciting TEs to watch moving forward. Thinks he has star potential.

I thought Bellinger was phenomenal last season for us & the offense dipped when he got injured. I'm looking forward to seeing him & Waller on the field together.

In comment 16123913 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:

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I thought Bellinger was phenomenal last season for us & the offense dipped when he got injured. I'm looking forward to seeing him & Waller on the field together.

+1. It’s a long season, but if these guys can stay healthy, they’ll be very difficult to game plan against bc Dabs etal will have a lot of different ways to come at you. It all hinges on the OL.

this year. His blocking as a rookie was better than expected and his skills as a receiver and after the catch were much better than expected. Now, we have 2 legitimate weapons at TE plus Cager, who isn't terrible. I have a feeling Waller is used more split out, almost filling the role as a big WR, depending on how those guys shake out. We can run 2 TEs and 2 WRs and still have the threat to pass.

If Waller stays healthy, we went from a TE weakness before last season, to likely having one of the best duos in the league. I am very excited about this offense.

But I saw Waller up close last month. The dude is an absolute specimen, and looks to be in phenomenal shape.

He is clearly the most athletic pass catcher we have and I don't think it's close.