Harold Fannin Jr. – Tight End – 20 years old – Junior – Bowling Green
Size: 1.91m
Weight: 109kg
Stats 2024: 117 receptions, 1555 yards, 10 touchdowns, 1 touchdown on the ground
Estimated position in the draft: 3rd round
NFL comparison: Isaiah Likely
It is rare that Bowling Green is mentioned in NFL. Last season, only two players from this university played in the big league: Karl Brooks (DT, Packers) and Scotty Miller (WR, Steelers). A third will join them and hear his name called very soon: Harold Fannin Jr.
Recruit not-classified when he leaves the school, announced as LineBacker, Fannin quickly established himself as the all-handed man of the Falcons. Far from the lights of major universities, he made a name for he hoped to make the big ones shine. Normal, when one was born in the cradle of the NFL, in Canton, in Ohio.
Strengths
- Versatility
- Hands
- Yards after reception
Capable of aligning himself as a traditional Tight End, a slot receiver, an outdoor receiver or even in the backfield, Harold Fannin offers the attack a precious flexibility. This ability to play in different positions makes it difficult to cover for opposing defenses, which must constantly adapt to its placement. Former defensive player, he is also able to understand a defense, which allows him to better read the covers and to position himself intelligently.
Fannin also has excellent hands. It displays a very low drop rate despite a high volume of targeted passes, proof of excellent concentration and a solid technique. He excels in the disputed receptions, using his timing, his body control and his reflexes to win against the defenders. Fannin knows how to secure the balloon with confidence, making it a trusted target for his quarterback.
Once the ball is in hand, Harold Fannin is shiny. Agile and explosive, he is able to transform short passes into important gains. He reads the spaces well, breaks tackles and knows how to stand after contact. In 2024, he accumulated 873 yards after reception, number 1 in university Tight Ends.
Weak points
- Adversity
- Physical dimensions
- Ability to create separation
The problem is always the same among players who arrive from secondary level universities. Harold Fannin Jr. evolved in Mid-American Conference (Mac), and was not confronted with the best defenses in NCAA. Will he be able to maintain the same level of production against NFL defenses? To convince recruiters, he will have to prove that he can transpose his qualities against opponents of a much higher level.
Physically, Fannin is below the typical standards for a Tight End in NFL. These limitations are likely to restrict its use in certain patterns, especially those that require a full Tight End, capable of contributing both to the pass as to the ground. It could be perceived more as a hybrid recipient, which limits its value a little in more traditional systems, especially in the block.
Although he has good hands and a good ability to run traces, Harold Fannin shows difficulties in creating separation. His races lack variety, and he can quickly become predictable, which makes him vulnerable to man-on-man covers. In addition, its top speed and its changes of direction are not explosive enough to allow it to stand out.
Possible destinations
San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs
Harold Fannin Jr. is an intriguing prospect for NFL franchises. It looks more like an offensive weapon with multiple talents than a classic Tight End, but its ability to advance the chains is attractive. If a team is looking for a pure blocker, let her go. But in the desire to diversify the offensive game, a play like Fannin would be a happiness for a creative offensive coordinator.
Travis Kelce and George Kittle are no longer very young, and Harold Fannin Jr. could represent a dream successor who can learn behind what has been done best in recent years. The saints probably wish to replace Taysom Hill, whose use has been reduced, in a role of Swiss knife. Role that Sean Payton had first given him, which could redo the same thing in Denver. Wherever he goes, Harold Fannin will be a player to follow at any case.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcixga0ov9q
