The post-Darren Waller era in East Rutherford hasn't exactly been a smooth ride, but honestly, the Giants TE depth chart is finally starting to look like a coherent plan rather than a frantic scramble. For years, the New York Giants treated the tight end position like a luxury item or a project graveyard. Now, things are different. Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen have pivoted toward a specific archetype: big, fast, and vertically dangerous. It’s a shift from the "safety valve" mentality to a "matchup nightmare" strategy. If you’re looking at this roster and wondering how a fourth-round pick and a bunch of journeymen are supposed to replace a Pro Bowler, you’re missing the forest for the trees.
It’s about gravity.
The Theo Johnson Era has Officially Arrived
Theo Johnson is the name everyone is circling. When the Giants grabbed the Penn State product in the 2024 NFL Draft, the "project" label got slapped on him immediately. People looked at his college stats—which were fine, but not eye-popping—and assumed he’d need years to develop. They were wrong. Johnson is a freak. He stands 6'6" and runs a sub-4.6 forty. That kind of speed at that size isn't just a physical trait; it's a tactical weapon that forces safeties to stay deep, opening up the intermediate routes for guys like Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson.
He’s the undisputed TE1 on the Giants TE depth chart because he can actually stay on the field for all three downs. In Daboll’s system, you can’t be a specialist. If you’re a "blocking tight end," the defense cheats. If you’re a "receiving tight end," they go nickel. Johnson gives them the ability to disguise their intent. Is he a perfect blocker? Not yet. He still gets high in his stance sometimes and loses leverage against twitchy edge rushers. But his ceiling is massive. You can see the flashes of Jimmy Graham in his game, specifically how he uses his frame to shield defenders in the red zone.
Daniel Bellinger and the Value of Being Reliable
Then there’s Daniel Bellinger. He’s basically the human equivalent of a reliable mid-sized sedan. He won’t win many drag races, but he’ll get you where you need to go every single time. Bellinger’s role has shifted significantly since his rookie year. He was once the "next big thing," then he was the backup to Waller, and now he’s the high-floor stabilizer.
What most people get wrong about Bellinger is thinking he’s just a blocker. He actually has some of the most reliable hands on the team. The problem is volume. He doesn't create a ton of separation, so he’s often the third or fourth read in the progression. On the current Giants TE depth chart, he serves as the insurance policy. If Johnson hits the "rookie wall" or struggles with the complexity of NFL blitz pickups, Bellinger steps in and the offense doesn't skip a beat. He’s the guy who does the dirty work—sealing the edge on outside zones and chips-and-releases to help out the offensive tackles.
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The Battle for the Final Roster Spots
Behind the big two, things get a little murky. This is where the coaching staff earns their money. You have guys like Chris Manhertz and Lawrence Cager fighting for oxygen. Manhertz is basically a sixth offensive lineman. He’s 32, he’s a veteran, and he knows exactly where to be. He isn't going to catch 20 passes this year. He might not catch five. But he's essential for heavy personnel packages where the Giants want to run the ball down someone's throat.
Lawrence Cager is the fascinating outlier. He’s a converted wide receiver. He’s skinny for a tight end, but he’s incredibly fluid. He’s the guy you bring in on 3rd and 8 when you want to create a mismatch against a linebacker who can’t turn his hips. The Giants TE depth chart needs a specialist like him, but his lack of utility in the run game makes him a liability if he’s on the field for too long. It’s a classic "roster math" problem. Do you keep the guy who can only block (Manhertz) or the guy who can only catch (Cager)?
Most teams try to find a middle ground, but the Giants seem content with having specific tools for specific jobs.
Why This Group Dictates the Run Game
We talk a lot about the passing game, but the tight ends are the heartbeat of the rushing attack in New York. Without Saquon Barkley, the run game has become more about scheme and angles than individual brilliance. This puts an immense amount of pressure on the TE room.
When the Giants go with 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends), they are trying to dictate the defensive front. If Johnson and Bellinger are both on the field, the defense has to decide: do they stay in base or go nickel? If they stay in base, the Giants exploit the speed of the tight ends against linebackers. If they go nickel, the Giants run the ball behind those big bodies. It’s a chess match.
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The struggle is real, though.
If the tight ends can't win their one-on-one blocks at the point of attack, the whole system collapses. Last season, the Giants' tight ends were graded poorly in run blocking by PFF, often failing to reach the second level. Improving those "climb" blocks is the difference between a 2-yard gain and a 12-yard explosive run.
Misconceptions About the Post-Waller Transition
There’s this narrative that the Giants' offense took a massive step back because they lost a "star" at tight end. I’d argue they actually became more functional. Darren Waller was great, but he was a specific type of player who required a specific type of target share. He also struggled to stay on the field.
The current Giants TE depth chart is more robust. It’s built on availability and role clarity. You don't have a guy demanding 10 targets a game who might pull a hamstring in the second quarter. Instead, you have a rotation. It’s less "star-driven" and more "system-driven."
- Theo Johnson: The vertical threat and future of the position.
- Daniel Bellinger: The technician and safety net.
- Chris Manhertz: The designated mauler.
- Lawrence Cager: The situational "F" receiver.
This hierarchy allows Daniel Jones (or whoever is under center) to know exactly what to expect from his personnel. There’s no guessing.
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The Impact of New York's Offensive Line Improvements
You can't talk about tight ends without talking about the guys next to them. The Giants' offensive line has been a disaster zone for a decade. However, recent investments in the draft and free agency are starting to stabilize the unit. This is huge for the tight ends.
In previous years, the Giants' tight ends were forced to stay in and block on almost every passing play because the tackles were turnstiles. You can't be a receiving threat if you're stuck pass-protecting for four seconds. As the offensive line improves, it "unlocks" the tight ends. They can now release into routes faster. They can run deeper stems. They can actually be part of the primary read.
Actionable Steps for Following the Season
If you’re tracking the Giants TE depth chart this season, stop looking at the box scores and start looking at the snap counts. That's where the real story is told.
Watch the first drive of every game. Who is the first tight end on the field? If it’s Johnson, the Giants are aggressive. If it’s Bellinger, they’re playing it safe. Pay attention to how many times the Giants use 12 personnel in the red zone. If that number goes up, it means they trust Johnson’s ability to win jump balls.
Keep an eye on the injury report, obviously, but also watch the "inactive" list on game days. If Cager is inactive, it means the Giants are worried about their ability to run the ball and want more blockers. If Manhertz is out, they’re going all-in on a track meet.
The tight end position in New York isn't just a supporting role anymore; it's the fulcrum of the entire offensive strategy. Understanding who is where on that depth chart is the only way to truly understand what Brian Daboll is trying to build.
Next Steps for Evaluation:
- Monitor Theo Johnson’s snap percentage relative to Daniel Bellinger over the first four weeks.
- Track the Giants' "Success Rate" on runs to the strong side (the side with the TE).
- Watch for Lawrence Cager’s usage specifically in 3rd-and-long situations.