Harold Fannin Jr. | Bowling Green 6’3 / 241 lbs. July 20, 2004 (20)
Harold Fannin Jr. was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, becoming the 6th tight end and 67th overall player in the 2025 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Target Share | Catch Rate | Receiving Touchdowns | Age | School |
| 2022 | 10 (TE) | 19 (27 tgts) | 218 (11.5 ypr) | 6.2% | 70.4% | 1 | 18 | Bowling Green |
| 2023 | 11 (TE) | 44 (62 tgts) | 623 (14.2 ypr) | 17.3% | 71.0% | 6 | 19 | Bowling Green |
| 2024 | 13 (TE) | 117 (156 tgts) | 1555 (13.3 ypr) | 37.3% | 75.0% | 10 | 20 | Bowling Green |
Fannin’s production as a freshman and sophomore wasn’t bad, but it’s almost not even worth a look when he has a season as good as his junior year. At just 20 years old, Fannin led the country in receptions and yards, posting a ridiculous 37.3% target share and earning himself Biletnikoff consideration. Granted, this was done in the MAC, it is still monumentally impressive especially for a tight end to be capable of this level of receiving production. Fannin stands the competition check as well, posting three of his best games of the year against Penn State, Texas A&M, and Old Dominion. Overall, Fannin’s production profile is nothing short of elite, and would position him for elite draft capital and instant production in the NFL.
FILM
Fannin quickly became one of “my guys” after my film study. His combination of quickness, power, and technique makes him a thrilling watch as a tight end but even better as a receiver in condensed splits. He can also function out wide against corners and has the route-running ability to create separation or at least provide a window for quarterbacks to set him up to seal off defenders and make contested catches using his frame. Fannin combines his lineup versatility with smooth routes, especially on in-breakers, and a bruising style after the catch. He has plus hands and tracks the ball well and is overall an extremely well-rounded receiver. Where Fannin can stand to improve is in the trenches; he blocks well for his size but unfortunately is undersized enough to where he can easily get overpowered by big defensive ends. Fannin was even used as an H-back at times, showing toughness and a willingness to get in the trenches, but overall, improving this element of his game will be the biggest limiting factor to Fannin’s success in the NFL.
ATHLETIC TESTING
Fannin Jr. had a respectable day at the combine overall but took a notable hit after failing to get below a 4.7 40-yard dash (Fannin clocked a 4.71). However, he did also post a 91st percentile 3-cone, indicating while his straight-line speed might not be quite up to elite standards, he does still possess above-average quickness. From an athletic testing standpoint, he very closely resembles Chigoziem Okonkwo, who had similar measurables and testing results.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Above average
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Above average
Rumors swirled that Fannin could potentially drop to day 3 after what was widely considered a mediocre combine performance. Thankfully, the NFL saw what I did- an overreaction to a modest 40-yard dash from an undersized guy, which to some was a death sentence, but in my opinion really shouldn’t change your profile of Fannin all too much. Going in the early 3rd is a positive outcome for Fannin all things considered; he did have days of being considered in the 1st round very early in the process, but the 3rd-4th ended up settling as the accurate range for his draft capital and that proved to be correct.
The Browns do have an established starter in David Njoku, but Njoku is in the 3rd year of a 4-year extension and will turn 30 next summer. Fannin will likely have to sit for most of the 2025 season, but has a clear path to an eventual role, and received solid enough draft capital that it is plenty plausible that the Browns have a development plan in mind to pass Njoku’s significant role in the Browns offense off to Fannin.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
For now, Fannin will have to rely on the Browns’ heavy use of 12 personnel to see the field. This won’t provide him much fantasy upside, likely leading to inconsistent production and not really worth a look in starting lineups. However, with the potential to usurp Njoku’s role, which has proved to be significant and fantasy relevant in recent years, Fannin could find his way to the very top end of the dynasty tight end landscape. His receiving upside is genuinely that high, so Fannin falls right into the low-end dynasty TE1 conversation for me. It’s a long-term vision, but he’s young enough and productive enough for me to buy in early.
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