Browns NFL draft: TE Harold Fannin, Jr. wants to be a complete player, likes idea of staying home in Northern Ohio

Versatility is Fannin’s calling card

The Cleveland Browns have a huge problem at the tight end position. Who is left from last year?

David Njoku and his Pro Bowl hardware will be a key 2025 target, especially since he and newly signed quarterback Joe Flacco connected with great success back in the 2023 season. Blake Whiteheart was re-signed, while Brenden Bates was signed off the New York Jets practice squad last year and is on a one-year deal. Tre’ McKitty signed a reserve/futures contract.

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Veteran Jordan Akins and Geoff Swaim are free agents and, to date, remain available for any team to sign.

More than likely, GM Andrew Berry will draft a young tight end in the NFL draft that begins April 24-26.

Harold Fannin Jr. is expected to be a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick. The Browns have two picks in Round 3 and the third pick in Round 4 at #104.

Take a moment to look at Fannin’s college stats. Last year, he gained 1,555 yards on 117 receptions. Both of these numbers led the nation as well as the Mid-American Conference. Let that sink in a bit.

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Fannin had 10 TDs with a 13.3 average per catch. He also ran the ball nine times for 65 yards with another score.

After last season, Fannin was named a Consensus All-American, was voted the MAC MVP, MAC Offensive Player of the Year, and First Team All-MAC. In the Ventures Bowl, Fannin was named the game’s MVP. In his sophomore campaign, he was selected First Team All-MAC.

Fannin has set seven NCAA football records: Most Receiving Yards by a TE in a Single Season (1,555), Most Receptions by a TE in a Single Season (117), Most Receiving Yards Per Game Average (119.6), Most Receptions Averaged Per Game by a TE (9), Most Receiving Yards by a TE in a Bowl Game (213), and tied the record for the Most Receptions in a Single Game by a TE (17).

49.5% of all receiving yards at Bowling Green in 2024 went through Fannin.

This comes from a kid who, in high school, was named First Team All-Ohio for playing safety, making 106 tackles with two picks with two defensive touchdowns as a senior.

Due to his outstanding season, Fannin was invited to the Senior Bowl. Dawgs By Nature’s Barry Shuck interviewed several tight ends at this year’s Senior Bowl, with Fannin’s name at the top of his list.

TE Harold Fannin, Jr. – Bowling Green

6’-3”, 241 pounds

40 time: 4.71

Projected round: 3-4

Q: How do you see yourself being used at the next level?

A: Being able to do it all. I have good blocking skills and will stick my head in on run plays without hesitation. But mostly, I can be used as a big receiver on passing downs. I have good hands and understand how to...