Thomas Fidone made his case at the NFL combine on Friday evening, posting one of the better 40 times among his position group. And his broad jump was best of the bunch.
The former Husker tight end posted an official 40 time of 4.70 seconds, which tied for fourth among tight ends in Indianapolis. The top time at his position was 4.63 by Oregon’s Terrance Ferguson.
Fidone also had a broad jump of 10’6″ and a vertical of 35.5.» His 10-yard split was 1.57 seconds. The broad jump was best among the tight ends, with Dane Brugler of The Athletic also reporting the average of starting NFL tight ends is 9’11.»
His vertical was tied for third at his position group. He had a three-cone drill of 7.01 seconds, which was third among tight ends, and a 20-yard shuttle of 4.29 seconds that ranked second.
He received a shoutout from Peter Schrager of the NFL Network, who highlighted Fidone as one of the players he was most eager to see work out after being down on the field to witness the tight end’s broad jump.
«I think Fidone at 250 pounds is a player to watch,» Schrager said. «Hasn’t really had that big moment yet, hasn’t really had that chance yet. But Matt Rhule has been texting me all day saying, ‘This is one of the best kids you’ll ever meet.'»
Devin Jackson,the NFL draft writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, offered a positive review of Fidone’s day.
«Thomas Fidone is having an awesome combine,» Jackson posted on X. «Liked his tape a lot despite the limited production, and he’s tested really, really well. Talent has always been apparent. He told me at his podium yesterday that his best football is ahead of him. Super impressive workout.»
Fidone officially measured in at 6-5, 243 pounds, with arms of 34″ and hands at 10 5/8.»
After four years in the Husker program, Fidone decided to forgo his final year of college eligibility to pursue NFL ambitions.
“Between my agents and my family, obviously I had an extra year, but we all felt it was time for me to take the next step,» Fidone told 247Sports in January. «We all know what I can do as a football player and I fully believe in myself more than anybody else. I know I’m going to come to the next level and excel, and compete against the best people.»
Former Husker cornerback Tommi Hill also measured in on Friday at 6-0 1/2 and 213 pounds, with arms at 32 7/8″ and hands at 9.» He did not run the 40. Hill had a foot injury that hampered him at the end of last season.
Nebraska’s Pro Day is set for March 25, where players associated with the program can test out in front of scouts.
Former Husker wide receiver Isaiah Neyor is slated to test at the combine on Saturday.