Breaking; Giants’ Surprise Rookie Is Dominating OTAs — NFL’s Next Breakout Star?

The New York Giants reached the playoffs in Brian Daboll’s first season as head coach, but the momentum didn’t last—they’ve missed the postseason in the two years since. Despite recent struggles, the organization is sticking with Daboll for at least one more season, though it’s clear he’s coaching under pressure. With OTAs now underway, the Giants are finally getting a clear look at how their roster is shaping up.

The 2025 NFL Draft was a promising one for New York. The team selected standout defensive lineman Abdul Carter with the No. 3 overall pick, a player expected to make an immediate impact. They also traded back into the first round to select quarterback Jaxson Dart. In addition, the Giants added several other promising rookies: defensive tackle Darius Alexander, running back Cam Skattebo, guard Marcus Mbow, tight end Thomas Fidone II, and cornerback Korie Black.

As is typical with any rookie class, some players will underperform while others may exceed expectations. So far, one rookie making a strong impression during OTAs is tight end Thomas Fidone II.

While Carter is expected to be the face of this draft class and players like Dart and Skattebo are generating buzz, Fidone is quietly emerging as a standout. Despite being a seventh-round pick from Nebraska, he’s already turning heads.

At Nebraska, Fidone tallied 61 receptions for 633 yards over two seasons. Although injuries limited his usage, he proved to be a reliable target when on the field, often moving the chains with clutch receptions. Now, in OTAs, those same skills are starting to shine. He’s making tough catches look easy, and his size and athleticism are hard to miss.

Fidone might not be a household name yet, but if his performance in OTAs is any indication, he could become a valuable piece of the Giants’ offense.