The New York Giants have a history of having solid tight ends on their roster. From Jeremy Shockey to Mark Bavaro to Evan Engram, the Giants’ tight ends have been tasked with blocking, receiving, rushing, and helping out on special teams.

The Giants’ current tight ends room includes the likes of Theo Johnson, Daniel Bellinger, and Chris Manhertz, to name a few.

Both Manhertz and Johnson are in their second year with the Giants, but Bellinger is entering his fourth season with the team, and he’s embracing their rich tight end history.

“There’s definitely a history. Shockey, Bravaro, and even Kevin Boss,” he said. “You know, these guys that were here before us, they set the standard of what a tight end is. A lot of it is gritty, hand in the dirt, get in and out of the mud, gritty tight ends.

“And the new NFL for tight ends is a little bit different nowadays, but at the same time, we gotta bring that style to the New York Giants, to New York, and show them that we are a gritty tight end group, but we can also make plays. Big plays, too, in the pass game.”

Shockey is one of the most well-known tight ends in NFL history, popular for his strength, agility, and quick burst. Bravaro was known for his punishing blocks and ability to catch the ball. He epitomized the blue-collar work ethic, the gritty, down-and-dirty demeanor the Giants seek in a tight end.

Bellinger understands that, and he wants to emulate that on the field.

Last season, Johnson emerged as a receiver the quarterback can rely on to catch a pass, even when the quarterback position is in a state of flux. With Russell Wilson under center, it stands to reason that he will look even better in year two.

Bellinger is more of a blocking tight end, used for different packages, but also a capable receiver. And with a stable quarterback this year, maybe we’ll get to see a new side of his game this season.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Daniel Bellinger embraces history, standard of Giants tight ends