ClutchPoints
The Cleveland Browns are no strangers to offseason storylines. So far in 2025, though, one unexpected name is creating significant buzz in Berea — rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. As OTAs roll on, the Bowling Green product is making a strong case for an immediate role in Kevin Stefanski’s offense. Sure, most eyes have been glued to Cleveland’s ongoing quarterback shuffle. However, Fannin has quietly — but decisively — seized the spotlight.
The Browns entered this offseason walking a tightrope. They avoided complete disaster after Myles Garrett submitted a trade request following the 2024 season. Cleveland ultimately retained their All-Pro defensive end. Keeping Garrett in-house was undoubtedly the most important move Cleveland made. Aside from that, though, there’s little evidence the Browns significantly improved their roster.
The team did execute a smart trade-down with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the draft. The Browns acquired standout defensive tackle Mason Graham and added an extra first-round pick in 2026. However, they had to sacrifice a chance to land two-way phenom Travis Hunter. many viewed him as a franchise-altering talent. This trade-off will be debated for years depending on how Hunter’s career unfolds.
Perhaps more concerning is Cleveland’s inaction on two critical fronts: the quarterback position and the offensive line. The quarterback room remains a revolving door of question marks. None of the options immediately inspire long-term confidence. Meanwhile, the offensive line, once a strength, is on shaky ground. Several key contributors are entering contract years, and the unit’s 59.8 PFF overall grade from 2024 suggests the decline has already begun.
Despite these issues, the Browns did address skill positions in the draft. They brought in new talent at quarterback, running back, and tight end. Curiously, they opted against making major changes to their wide receiver corps. That’s a decision that might not sting as much if Fannin continues his rapid ascent.
For much of the early OTA period, Fannin has looked like anything but a rookie. With veteran tight end David Njoku sitting out the voluntary sessions, Fannin has capitalized on the additional first-team reps. He has emerged as one of the most productive pass-catchers on the field. Observers have likened his consistent impact to that of Jerry Jeudy. Fannin is seemingly open on every snap and always making something happen.
That level of production shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who watched Fannin dominate at Bowling Green. In his final college season, Fannin put up video-game numbers: 117 receptions, 1,555 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. His reception and yardage totals weren’t just impressive. They were record-setting, establishing new FBS single-season marks for tight ends. Fannin didn’t just outperform his fellow TEs; he was the heartbeat of Bowling Green’s entire passing offense.
What has been most impressive during Browns OTAs isn’t just Fannin’s hands or his numbers. It’s his polish and ability to find soft spots in NFL coverages. During a recent red-zone 7-on-7 period, Fannin provided the...
