Saints schedule top 30 visit with Nebraska tight end sleeper storyline has caught the attention of football fans and NFL insiders alike.
As the New Orleans Saints continue evaluating prospects, one name has emerged as a potential gem Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone II.
Although not a household name yet, Fidone is slowly climbing the draft boards due to his unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism.
It’s no surprise that the Saints have used one of their top 30 visits on a player with such intriguing upside.
Not only does this show a genuine interest in Thomas Fidone II, but it also signals the Saints’ strategy to unearth high-upside players who may have flown under the radar due to early career setbacks like injuries.
The Importance of Top 30 Visits in the Draft Process
Before diving deeper into Fidone’s profile, it’s crucial to understand what a top 30 visit means.
Every NFL team is allowed to host up to 30 draft prospects at their facilities. These visits are not just for casual meetings—they are an essential part of the scouting and selection process.
During these visits, teams get the chance to interview players, evaluate their football IQ, observe their medical evaluations, and even have face-to-face discussions with coaches.
Since Fidone has already worked with Saints associate head coach Joel Thomas during the Senior Bowl, this visit could serve as a final step in confirming his fit within the Saints’ system.
The Saints’ decision to schedule a visit indicates that Fidone is firmly on their radar for one of their later-round picks.
Thomas Fidone II: From High School Star to NFL Hopeful
Once regarded as the nation’s top tight end during the high school recruiting cycle, Thomas Fidone II committed to Nebraska with high expectations.
However, his journey has not been without adversity. Two knee injuries early in his college career delayed his development and kept him off the field for extended periods.
Despite these setbacks, Fidone’s resolve never wavered. In 2023, he returned with a strong season under new head coach Matt Rhule.
His performance during that season 25 receptions for 260 yards was an encouraging sign.
But he didn’t stop there. In 2024, Fidone took another leap, catching 36 passes for 373 yards. That progress has been enough to regain the attention of NFL scouts.
A Standout Performance at the NFL Scouting Combine
Although college production matters, what really turned heads was Fidone’s performance at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Measuring in at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds. Additionally, his numbers in the vertical jump, broad jump, and agility drills were outstanding.
His overall athletic profile earned him a 9.41 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) a nearly elite mark for tight ends.
It’s worth noting that the Saints heavily rely on athletic metrics when assessing draft prospects. Therefore, Fidone’s RAS likely played a role in their decision to schedule him for a top 30 visit.
Other Teams Showing Interest
Although the 2025 NFL draft Saints schedule top 30 visit with Nebraska tight end sleeper narrative is growing stronger, the Saints aren’t the only team paying attention.
Reports indicate that the Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and Buffalo Bills are also eyeing Fidone closely.
The Bills, in particular, are set to host a private workout session with him, which is another clear indication that he’s climbing the ranks as a sleeper pick.
While each of these teams may have different offensive systems and needs, they all see the same potential: an athletic tight end with NFL size who is still developing.
Why Fidone Fits the Saints’ Offensive Scheme
Historically, the Saints have made excellent use of their tight ends. From Jimmy Graham’s glory days to the more recent utilization of versatile weapons like Taysom Hill, the Saints value tight ends who can stretch the field and provide matchup nightmares.
Fidone checks many of those boxes. His size allows him to be a legitimate red-zone threat, while his athleticism helps him create separation against linebackers and safeties.
Furthermore, he has shown enough improvement as a blocker to be considered a well-rounded option. Although not yet a polished product, he has traits that can be molded into a productive NFL starter.
Draft Day Projection: Why a Third-Day Pick Makes Sense
As exciting as Fidone’s upside may be, most analysts project him as a Day 3 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
There are a few reasons for this. First, his college production while promising still leaves room for doubt compared to more consistent tight ends in the class.
Second, his injury history, although behind him, might raise concerns among some general managers.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t diminish his potential. Many Day 3 picks have gone on to become stars, especially at the tight end position becoming more vital in modern offenses, it’s easy to see why Fidone is being given this opportunity.