What Will Giants' Rookie TE Bring to East Rutherford?

The New York Giants had no shortage of needs to fill in the offseason, most importantly under center. None of them, however, were more overlooked than tight end, where the Giants scuffled through 2024 and didn’t add a body for much of the offseason.

Rookie Theo Johnson took on the starting role but struggled to make much of an impact, logging only 331 yards and a score as the hindrance of poor quarterback play burdened him.

He’ll enter his second season as the starter, although New York did eventually add a body late on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft to bolster the depth behind him. It came in the form of Nebraska tight end Thomas Fidone II.

At his introductory press conference, the Giants‘ rookie tight end reacted to life as a seventh-round selection.

“I think obviously there’s always a learning curve anytime you go from one place to another or one league to another,” Fidone said. “The NFL is full of amazing players. Just being able to get a chance to develop and get better as a player and contribute to a team any way I can.”

Fidone isn’t in line for much playing time in Year 1. Johnson is the same archetype of tight end, a seam-busting threat. Chris Manhertz is an excellent blocker and the unheralded hero of the team’s 12-personnel endeavors.

Daniel Bellinger’s versatility makes him a competent depth option, and his grasp on the offense might be the best of the group, but if Fidone is taking anyone’s spot in training camp, it’s his. Notably, Bellinger entered camp as the presumed starter in 2024 before quickly losing the gig to Johnson, a fourth-round pick.

“I think they’ve got a really good room,” he said. “Daniel Bellinger and Theo (Johnson) and then they have the vet (Manhertz) who’s been (in the NFL) for a while, all very good guys, and just excited to be able to go in there and put my head down and work and hope to be able to contribute in any way possible.”

Fidone’s size doesn’t lend itself to blocking particularly well, although he’s clearly confident in his ability to do so. If his play strength exceeds expectations and he can find ways to make his athleticism translate to on-field production, it’s possible he carves a role out for himself.

Otherwise, Fidone’s playing time is most likely to come on special teams, where Day 3 picks often have to prove themselves before earning a bigger role on their respective side of the ball.

He’ll hope his physicality makes itself known at the next level.

“They’re getting an athlete,” Fidone said. “They’re getting a tight end who can do everything. Really good in the route game. Really good in the blocking game. Very physical. I’m a physical player, also a very competitive player. I want to win every rep. They’re getting someone who’s going to strive to be better every day and get 1 percent better every practice and every game, the ultimate competitor.”

Given the tough transitions tight ends face and Fidone’s meager draft capital, expectations should remain low. Whether he manages to exceed them this summer could determine his status on the roster bubble come cut-down day.

What Will Giants’ Rookie TE Bring to East Rutherford?

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