3 Cleveland Browns tight ends targets in the 2022 NFL draft
By Jacob Roach
Cleveland Browns tight end target number 2- Daniel Bellinger, San Diego State
Daniel Bellinger checked in at the NFL combine at 6-foot-5 and weighing 253 pounds. Bellinger is one of the better blocking tight ends in the upcoming draft. He’s at his best with his hand in the dirt matching up with defensive linemen and linebackers. Bellinger didn’t have a ton of opportunities this past season as San Diego State’s offense was awful.
He has above-average hands, he doesn’t let the ball into his body but catches it with his hands making him more consistent as a pass-catcher. Bellinger is another player that reads zone defense well, being able to identify the holes in coverage to get open. He still needs work on his route running but all of the tools of a good player are there.
At the NFL combine Bellinger also showed that he can be more than just a blocker and that he possesses some elite-level athleticism for someone of his size. Bellinger ran an official 4.63 40 yard dash at 253 pounds showing there is a lot of potential and tools to work with.
Daniel Bellinger already had a 9.63 RAS, 3rd highest for a TE in this class and highest for a TE with an official, full profile, but he still improved his vertical and cone at his pro day.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 22, 2022
With most of the TE struggling to separate, Bellinger could move his way up draft boards. pic.twitter.com/AAOvZN4dXm
You can see his athleticism on tape as well, he moves well with the ball in his hand and creates decent separation. With a lack of production at the college level, Bellinger could fall into the Browns’ lap in the later rounds and would be another great scheme fit for Cleveland.