In a move that could reshape their tight end depth chart, the New York Giants selected Nebraska tight end Thomas Fidone with the 219th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This seventh-round selection marks a significant step for Fidone, who has faced challenges during his college career, primarily due to injuries.
Fidone, a two-year starter at Nebraska, was projected to be a fifth or sixth-round pick but fell to the Giants in the seventh round, likely due to his history of knee injuries that limited his playing time. Despite these setbacks, he demonstrated his potential as a vertical threat during his time in college, showcasing impressive athleticism and a notable catch radius.
According to NFL Network draft analyst Lance Zierlein, Fidone's playing style is reminiscent of Josh Oliver, emphasizing his ability to stretch the seam and create mismatches against defenders. "He’s a willing blocker with pretty good technique but needs to add strength to handle the work in-line," Zierlein noted, highlighting areas where Fidone can improve as he transitions to the NFL.
In 2024, Fidone had a breakout season, leading all Nebraska pass catchers with four receiving touchdowns and recording career highs with 36 receptions and 373 receiving yards. His performance earned him recognition, as he was named to the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team in both 2024 and 2021, and he achieved academic All-Big Ten honors in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Giants’ head coach Brian Daboll is likely looking for depth in the tight end position, especially with Daniel Bellinger in the final year of his rookie contract and Chris Manhertz entering his 10th NFL season at age 33. This could present a unique opportunity for Fidone to carve out a role for himself in the coming seasons.
As the Giants continue to build their roster, Fidone joins a tight end room that already includes Theo Johnson, Daniel Bellinger, Chris Manhertz, and Greg Dulcich. The competition will be fierce, but Fidone's ability to improve his passing game could make him a valuable asset as he develops.
Fidone’s journey to the NFL has not been without its challenges. He has faced significant hurdles, including two major knee injuries that sidelined him for portions of his college career. However, his resilience and dedication to the game have allowed him to bounce back and make a name for himself.
His commitment to improving his craft is evident, as he has expressed a desire to continue developing his skills, both on the field and off. Fidone has also taken up tattoo artistry during his downtime, earning the nickname "Tommy Tats" as he showcases his artistic side while balancing the demands of being a Division I football player.
"I want to win the Mackey Award; that’s my number one goal," Fidone stated, referring to the prestigious award given to the best tight end in college football. His determination to excel is clear, and he is eager to prove himself at the professional level.
With the NFL Draft now behind him, Fidone is focused on making an impact in training camp and proving that he can contribute to the Giants’ offense. His combination of size, speed, and talent could make him a key player in the Giants’ plans moving forward.
As the Giants prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Fidone adds depth and potential to their tight end position. With a clear path to playing time as contracts expire, Fidone has the opportunity to showcase his skills and become a reliable option for quarterback Daniel Jones.
In summary, Thomas Fidone's selection by the New York Giants is a strategic move that could pay off in the long run. His athleticism, combined with the need for depth at the tight end position, makes him a player to watch as he embarks on his NFL career. As he continues to recover and develop, fans will be eager to see how Fidone adapts to the challenges of professional football and what he can bring to the Giants in the years to come.
