The New York Giants took a hit in their secondary when safety Julian Love departed for Seattle in free agency. He was subsequently replaced by veteran Bobby McCain but there’s no denying the defense now lacks its Swiss Army knife.
One player who has eyes on filling that role is second-year safety Dane Belton.
“That’s definitely my goal to come out and earn that spot,” Belton said on the One Giant Step podcast. “We have a lot of guys that can play really well; a lot of guys that understand the defense and can make plays.”
Belton was somewhat limited as a rookie due to collarbone and shoulder injuries. This season, he not only aims to remain healthy but to establish himself as one of the best.
“My mindset is always to be the best out there regardless of who’s out there,” he said. “Once I’m fully healthy and coming back in training camp, that’s going to be my goal to earn that spot and to make plays for this defense.”
The second safety spot alongside Xavier McKinney will be subject to a training camp competition and if Belton can help fill the role vacated by Love, it will benefit the entire defense.
