Every once in a while an NFL team will find a fortune in the undrafted free agent market. This year, the New York Giants may have literally found one in O’Donnell Fortune, a cornerback from South Carolina.
Fortune was identified as the top UDFA to watch for the Giants this summer by Pro Football Focus.
The Giants could use more cornerback assets behind former first-rounder Deonte Banks and free-agent signing Paulson Adebo, and their only draft pick at the position was seventh-rounder Korie Black.
Fortune ranked third in the FBS in PFF coverage grade in 2024 (90.2), behind only top draft picks Jahdae Barron and Travis Hunter. He surrendered just two touchdowns in coverage and combined for five interceptions over the past two seasons.
No question the Giants need to get lucky at cornerback after missing on several draft picks the past few seasons. Fortune has good size at a shade under 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, which the Giants will likely build upon in the weight room.
Fortune participated at the NFL Combine in February but did little to improve his draft stock. His pro day at South Carolina, which was attended by Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown, gave more insight into his athletic ability. He ran the 40 in 4.58 seconds.
Fortune was named the defensive MVP at this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl game.
Time will tell if Fortune is NFL material but he has a golden opportunity to make his mark at training camp this summer.