The tight end position has seemingly grown in importance recent years. Once considered an afterthought in some offenses, it has become vital thanks to the likes of Rob Gronkowski, George Kittle and Travis Kelce.
Those three All-Pros have become a measuring stick for other players to try to match at the position. With just Kittle and Kelce left playing, their expertise and leadership among the rest of the tight ends cannot be ignored.
It's why the two helped start "Tight End University," a three-day program for players at the position to bond, learn, and collaborate on where each can improve. For young tight ends just coming into the league, it's a chance to make a strong first impression amongst their peers.
That is precisely what New York Giants seventh-round pick Thomas Fidone II was able to do recently.
Fidone was impressed during the camp and even shared some surprising words Kelce had left for him after those workouts.
"He told me I was extremely athletic and moved extremely well. He told me that the top of my routes was good. He didn't say it like that, but he said it. So, just being able to hear that from him was cool," Fidone told KETV reporter Matt Sottile.
If Kelce is that excited and complimentary over a player like the 6-6, 256-pound Fidone, it's a good first sign that the Giants may have found a steal at the position.
The organization currently has Theo Johnson and Daniel Bellinger ahead of him on the depth chart, but Fidone will fight for a spot on the roster once camp begins.
Kelce may be onto something here. And if he is? The New York tight end situation will grow in importance, too.