The New York Giants made adding playmakers a priority this offseason, and one of their most intriguing moves came late in the 2025 NFL Draft. With a seventh-round pick, they selected Nebraska tight end Thomas Fidone II — a move that may prove to be a hidden gem.
Fidone entered college as the nation’s top-ranked tight end in the 2021 recruiting class, even ahead of Brock Bowers. But his college career was derailed by back-to-back ACL tears in his freshman year, significantly limiting his playing time and development. These injuries caused him to slip in the draft, despite some projecting him as a fifth-round talent.
At 6-foot-6 and 243 pounds, Fidone still has the athleticism and upside that once made him a top prospect. He finished his college career with 61 catches for 633 yards and four touchdowns in 26 games. While injuries hampered his production, the Giants may have landed a high-upside sleeper with this late-round flier — a player who could blossom in the NFL if he stays healthy.
Fidone’s story is one of unrealized potential, but also of resilience. Despite suffering two ACL tears before ever making an impact on the field, he stayed the course at Nebraska and eventually returned to contribute. His size and athleticism still jump off the page, and there’s reason to believe that he hasn’t come close to hitting his ceiling yet.
The Giants are clearly betting on upside — and at this point in the draft, it’s a calculated risk with possible high reward. Fidone’s blend of size, catch radius, and explosiveness makes him a developmental weapon, particularly in red zone packages where he can use his frame to outmatch defenders.
In a tight end room that already includes veterans and proven contributors, Fidone won’t be asked to carry the load right away. That could work in his favor, allowing him to gradually ease into the offense and regain full confidence in his knee. If he can stay healthy and develop under the radar, the Giants may have pulled off a late-round steal with long-term value — exactly the kind of move that separates good front offices from great ones.