BREAKING: Giants’ SECRET WEAPON? Why O’Donnell Fortune Could Be Their NEXT SHUTDOWN CORNER

The New York Giants continue their ongoing effort to strengthen the secondary. This offseason, they made key additions in free agency, signing safety Jevon Holland from the Dolphins and cornerback Paulson Adebo from the Saints.

They also targeted the position late in the draft and through undrafted free agency, including the signing of South Carolina cornerback O’Donnell Fortune.

Fortune is somewhat of a rarity in today’s college football landscape—spending five years at the same program. In an era dominated by NIL deals and transfers, his commitment to South Carolina stands out. Over his college career, he steadily climbed the ranks—from special teams contributor to reliable backup, and eventually, starting corner.

Known for his patience and football IQ, Fortune plays with the poise of a seasoned veteran. He often waits for receivers to make the first move, using smart positioning rather than sheer physicality to make plays.

While he’s not the most aggressive or hard-hitting defensive back, his instincts help him excel in zone and off-man coverage—schemes that let him read plays and react quickly. Though he didn’t register an interception in his first two years, he picked off at least two passes in each of his final three seasons.

His ball skills noticeably improved during his last two years, recording a career-high six pass breakups in 2023 and adding three more the following year.

Fortune is a great example of what steady development and commitment to improvement can lead to—earning a shot at the next level through hard work and persistence.