Harold Fannin Jr.

Harold Fannin Jr. Player Profile

Summary

Harold Fannin Jr. was drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Round 3, (pick 67) out of Bowling Green State University. Fannin Jr.enters the NFL as a dynamic receiving tight end with rare volume, versatility, and production for his position. His ability to line up in multiple spots, create separation, and dominate receiving stats makes him a strong candidate to impact early as a pass-catching mismatch weapon.

That said, his profile suggests he may start as more of a receiving specialist than a complete traditional every-down blocker at tight end. His blocking ability, physical size relative to the heaviest matchups, and scheme translation (from a smaller major conference) will be areas to monitor. In the right system, he has the upside to be a high-impact weapon; his floor is as a key receiving TE if the blocking role is managed or supplemented.

Strengths

  • Elite receiving productivity and volume — Fannin’s 2024 season set FBS tight end records for receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555) and he averaged 9.0 receptions per game. Bowling Green State University Athletics

  • Route-running and separation ability — Scouts highlighted his ability to gain separation, especially in short-to-intermediate zones; one article noted his “elite route-running and quick-twitch movements” allowed him separation of ~3.1 yards per target. Dawgs By Nature

  • Versatility in alignment and usage — He lined up in multiple positions: inline tight end, slot, moved out wide, even used as a rusher on occasion—offering offensive flexibility. Bowling Green State University Athletics

  • High-end target share and involvement — His college usage showed he was the focal point of the offense: high target rate, high air-yard share, showing big-play potential. PlayerProfiler

Weaknesses

  • Blocking/chassis concerns for in-line tight-end role — At 241 lbs and coming from a smaller program, questions remain about his ability to sustain blocks against NFL-level defenders and consistently handle inline blocking duties. Arrowhead Pride

  • Size and physicality trade-offs — While 6′4″ is adequate, some evaluators consider him slightly undersized vs. heavier blocks or as a traditional inline TE, especially compared to the dominant block-first tight ends. Arrowhead Pride

  • Projection for role rather than proven every-down TE — Despite dominant receiving numbers, his collegiate scheme and level of competition (Mid-American Conference) introduce some projection risk when translating to NFL. Acme Packing Company

  • Speed/top-end burst not as highlighted — While his movement is very good, some reports note that his top-end track speed or long-developing routes may not match the fastest receiving TEs or WRs. Arrowhead Pride

Fit & Outlook

  • Fit:
    Fannin is best suited in an offense that:

  • utilizes his receiving skill-set (motion, alignment flexibility, short/medium routes, mismatch situations)

  • uses two-tight-end or versatile personnel groups so he can be deployed in multiple roles

  • protects him from over-reliance in pure inline, heavy-blocking formations early, allowing him to maximize his receiving value

  • Outlook:

  • Short-Term (Rookie): Expect him to contribute fairly quickly as a receiving option in multiple alignments. He may see heavy usage in passing situations, perhaps less so in pure three-tight-end sets that require a dominant blocker.

  • Medium-Term (Years 2-4): If he develops his blocking chops and builds strength, he could become a fully-featured tight end with the ability to do both receiving and inline work.