2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Daniel Bellinger
- Position: Tight End
- School: San Diego State
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 252lbs
Film Watched: San Jose State 2021, Hawaii 2021
Pro's:
- Big, physical tight end with impressive play strength
- Dedicated blocker – engaging with his opponent on his terms and driving them off the ball
- Brings the requisite level of nasty as a blocker, and loves to ‘finish’ a block after the play is dead
- Long arms and sufficient foot speed make him an asset in pass protection – comfortable out in space
- Good agility in short areas for a big man, and can create himself space across the middle
- Sinks his hips well in and out of his breaks, and works hard to generate modest separation
- Capable pass catcher who has the length to bring balls in outside his frame
- Keen to get the ball into his body and make moves dowfield
Daniel Bellinger is a TE prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.45 RAS at the Combine out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 53 out of 941 TE from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/WVwvRa2b84 #RAS via @Mathbomb pic.twitter.com/S6zpMYloGI
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 4, 2022
Con's:
- Noted lack of burst off the line of scrimmage – more a gradual buildup
- Top speed isn’t going to scare coverage. Not a candidate to attack the seam
- Lack of confidence as a playmaker; happier on underneath throws where he can be physical
- Surprising lack of yards after the catch considering his size
- Lack of versatility; strictly an inline tight end
The Verdict:
“In a class full of tight ends trying to be receivers, it’s quite refreshing to find a prospect that excels at the bread and butter of the position. Daniel Bellinger is your quintessential tight end, lining up tight to the offensive line and being a force as a blocker and pass protector. As a pass catcher, Bellinger might not be the next basketball convert, but he wins over the middle and can be a reliable chain mover for an offense. Watching the tape you come away impressed with his natural feel for the game - he’s happy in space, is quick to identify blitz threats, and shows good timing to leak out and offer another option for his QB. He’s not the dynamic, multi-faceted weapon the modern NFL looks for from the position, but as a low-floor, low-ceiling prospect he improves a position group and will be looked at somewhere on day three.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: GEOFF SWAIM
PREDICTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Rated 5 out of 5