The New York Giants’ 2022 draft class has had an immediate effect on the team, unlike in recent years. Big Blue hasn’t had a draft class hit the ground running like this 2007, the season they won their first Super under head coach Tom Coughlin.
Many of the 11 players selected this year have played key roles already through the first eight games. First-round picks, outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux and right tackle Evan Neal, are starters, as are second-round wideout Wan’Dale Robinson and fourth-round tight end Daniel Bellinger — when healthy.
Others have added depth and value such as inside linebacker Micah McFadden, offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu, defensive back Cor’Dale Flott and defensive lineman D.J. Davidson.
One player who has stepped right in and performed from the outset is safety Dane Belton, a fourth-round pick out of Iowa who was said to be a perfect fit for Wink Martindale’s defensive scheme and they have been proven correct.
Dane Belton through 7 games:
• 140 coverage snaps
• 12 targets (6 receptions allowed)
• 88 yards allowed
• 0 TD allowedThe Giants rookie safety has been LOCKS 🔒 pic.twitter.com/3cbO3MN0la
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) October 31, 2022
Belton is a perfect compliment to starting safeties Julian Love and Xavier McKinney, and now will be joined by veteran Landon Collins to create a formidable gouger of defensive backs to execute martingale’s strategy going forward.
