Giants defender emerging as surprise starter in secondary | Sporting News

The New York Giants have a bit of a surprise defender emerging at the free safety position.

After the first week of training camp practices at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, the Giants are seeing a former Day 3 draft pick take advantage of his opportunities.

Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen told reporters Thursday that third-year safety Dane Belton is currently the front-runner to start the season.

“And one thing I’ll say for Dane is he’s taken ownership of it, and he’s fighting like hell to earn that job. Which he should. It’s his job to lose right now. It is his job to lose,” Bowen said.

The Giants used the No. 47 pick in the draft to take Tyler Nubin out of Minnesota. Though he’s highly-touted and expected to eventually take over as a starter, Nubin started camp with a calf injury. The rookie has since returned to practice but missed most of the first week.

With that said, Belton has been running as a starting safety since the spring workouts began so this is not a new development. The 2022 fourth-round pick has earned his way into a starting role.

Belton has only started seven games in his career since being drafted out of Iowa. He has the versatility to play both strong and free safety — as he did in 2023 — but it appears he has a specific role in Bowen’s defense.

On 15 targets, Belton allowed 10.8 yards per reception and an 88.5 passer rating in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus.

The secondary is a massive question mark for the Giants between the lack of depth and experience throughout both the safety and cornerback positions.

But entering the preseason opener against the Detroit Lions, it appears Belton has the upper hand in the competition.

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