Thankfully, the NFL preseason schedule has come to an end. Now, comes the task of constructing a 53-man roster with the start of the 2022 season a week away. No time to complain about the number of injuries sustained or inconsistent play seen in the preseason. It is time to embrace the results and set the team’s roster, starting with the New York Giants tight end position.
The 2021 version of this group struggled to make plays throughout the season. Veteran starter Evan Engram had too many dropped or tipped passes for a proven receiver. And the other tight ends on the roster struggled with consistency all season long. The lack of production turned the Giants offense into a very predictable unit.
The Giants tight end depth chart will have a different look in 2022. Gone is Engram, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent this past off-season. His departure leaves the G-Men without a proven, experienced tight end on the roster.
Let’s take a look at the current TE depth chart for the Giants:
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New York Giants Lack Experience at Tight End
TE1: Daniel Bellinger
The Engram experiment has come to an end as the Giants starting tight end will be rookie Daniel Bellinger. Many league observers are surprised New York went this route with a younger player. But Bellinger has made the most noise since rookie minicamp.
Giants head coach Brian Daboll loves his size, ability to separate himself from coverage defenders and catches everything thrown in his direction. Bellinger gives the passing game another receiving option that can provide vertical and horizontal field-stretching capabilities. His toughness will aid in securing more 50-50 throws and yards-after-catch (YAC).
As the season progresses, Giants fans will see an improvement in Bellinger’s run-blocking technique. His potential in this area could equal his pass-catching prowess.
TE2: Chris Myarick
No player better represents the Giants front office’s overhaul to the tight end position than Chris Myarick. Granted, he did not have a significant role in the offense last season, but Myarick did play in eight games before getting released in Week 17. And he has the most NFL experience of anyone on the depth chart.
Myarick provides the Giants offense with a reliable blocker who can become a secondary receiving option for Daniel Jones. Right now, he is slotted to be an extra blocker in short-yard situations. However, Myarick has shown to be athletic, with good hands and a strong body frame. His play in the preseason has convinced the Giants coaching staff that he could become a valuable asset to the team’s offense.
TE3: Tanner Hudson
The final spot on the tight end depth chart came down to Tanner Hudson and Austin Allen. Each player showed some promise to developing into a serviceable NFL player. However, do not be surprised if Giants general manager Joe Schoen adds an experienced tight end to the mix before week’s end.
Hudson may get released if such a move occurs, but he has a decent chance of being signed to the Giants practice squad. However, Hudson is not a lock to remain in the organization. But, the front office would love more time to analyze his skill set before deciding his future with the franchise.
In 2022, Daboll’s main goal is to have a quicker, fast-paced passing attack. He does not want Jones to hold the ball too much in the pocket. It is imperative to have a tight end that can extend drives by catching the football.
Bellinger and Myarick are not household names but each could achieve great success for the Giants offense.
