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Giants Safety Dane Belton Earns Shane Bowen's Praise
Giants Safety Dane Belton Earns Shane Bowen's Praise originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The New York Giants underperformed on defense in 2024. Part of that blame falls on the offense for putting the unit behind the eight ball. Injuries to defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux didn't help, either.
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But the Giants intercepted just five passes in 17 games, the second-worst mark in the NFL. The ball production simply wasn't there, and it was a point of emphasis during the offseason. Corner Paulson Adebo was signed to take on top receivers and force additional turnovers; he intercepted seven passes across 22 games since 2023. Safety Jevon Holland only emphasized that priority.
However, they weren't alone in catching New York defensive coordinator Shane Bowen's praise on Thursday.
The Giants' coach also made sure to shout out underrated safety Dane Belton at OTAs.
'Yeah, obviously adding Adebo helps,' Bowen said, via team transcript. 'Got a proven corner in this league. Obviously, he's coming off the leg, but he's been great in terms of that.
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'So just gives us another piece, right? So between him, between Tae (Banks), between (Cor'Dale) Flott, between Dru (Phillips), those other guys that are battling it out. Obviously, safety, Dane has been really good for us here early. Like he's had a really good spring. Finding ways to get him on the field, what he can do for us to help us.
'But really encouraged about that group. I think M (Marquand Manuel) and Jeff (Burris) have done a really good job with them, and Pops (Mike Adams). They've done a really good job working with those guys and I'm encouraged about where we are at right now.'
Belton was New York's third safety in New York but flashed, both as a tackler and at the catch point. He has never played a full season as a starter, but in each of his three seasons, Belton has found at least one interception and fumble recovery.
He remained consistent amid a crumbling defense, and did so from a variety of spots. Belton is primarily a box safety but can moonlight in the slot and over the top when the situation calls for it.
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Notably, Belton is set up for continued success with the Giants, because he won't be asked to take on a bigger role. Deployed behind Tyler Nubin and Holland, Bowen can pick his spots for three-safety packages and allow him to make plays without being overexposed. With even more surrounding talent putting pressure on opposing offenses, Belton can continue to find opportunities for splash plays without the pressures of being overexposed as a starter.
Look for him to make a similar impact in 2025, even if his upside is that of a high-level backup.
Related: Star Safety Reveals First Impression of Giants' Quarterbacks
Related: Giants Schedule Release: Game-By-Game Predictions
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
