Thomas Fidone II, TE, Nebraska
Size:
Height: 6050
Weight: 243
Arm: 34”
Hand: 10 ⅝”
Accomplishments:
Four-star recruit
“Thomas Fidone II possesses outstanding hands as a flex weapon and is a player whose skill set will expand an offensive playbook.”
Strengths:
Powerful hands
YAC
Change of direction
Hips to sink and drive
Extremely intelligent ballplayer
Concerns:
Route-running
Top-end speed
Technique as an in-line blocker
Film Analysis:
A prospect who has battled through two ACL surgeries, Thomas Fidone II is a versatile talent at the position whose hands and ability after the catch will warrant target volume early in his career.
As a pass-catcher, Fidone has experience releasing off the line of scrimmage both with his hand in the dirt (three-point stance) and standing up (two-point). Does well to work off the line of scrimmage against varying techniques but is not an overly explosive route-runner or overall athlete at this point in time. Fidone has displayed a key understanding of space and defensive concepts and understands angles well. He’s also a highly crafty and savvy player in his ability to create space by whatever means necessary. Had a rep versus man coverage (Ohio State) where he carried the safety on his hip pocket upfield, only to slightly bump his opponent back and into the field umpire, using the referee as a pick on the play. Fidone was able to free himself of coverage and gain 35 yards on the play.
Fidone has extremely good hands that could be classified as elite. Can catch any pass within his catch radius and he is a hands-catcher that snatches passes out of the air and into his frame, quickly working upfield. Tough ballplayer after the catch that looks to power his way through tackles, rather than outrun pursuit angles. As previously mentioned, Fidone is not an elite-level route-runner, but he has apparent nuance at the position and excellent sink-and-drive ability to get out of his routes quickly.
As a blocker, Fidone is competitive but must work on getting stronger while improving his technique. Does well to square up lighter outside linebackers or blitzing nickel defenders off the edge, but Fidone can be easily stacked against early run down edge defenders. Moving across the formation as the wham, Fidone will also often approach blocks off balance and lose control of the rep. Chopping his feet on arrival will assist in allowing his eyes to focus on his target while his lower half adjusts to place his body in a spot to succeed.
Overall, Fidone is a sure-handed target who projects immediately as a top-two tight end within an NFL offense. Medicals will hold immense weight for teams as they dig into his ACL history, but when healthy, Fidone has shown the ability to expand a playbook and is a player who will also progress into a high-level red zone threat due to his hands.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
Written By: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Indiana (2024), Ohio State (2024), Boston College (2024)
