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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Harold Fannin Jr.

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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Harold Fannin Jr.

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net
By Quinten Krzysko | Last updated Jan 31, 2025 3:56 PM ET

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Harold Fannin Jr. NFL Draft Profile

College: Bowling Green
College Position: TE
Ideal NFL Position: Move-TE
Height/Weight: 6’4", 230 pounds
Year / Age: Junior / 20 (turns 21 in July)
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
Where I’d Take Him: Top 50

Background:

Harold Fannin Jr. graduated from high school in Canton, Ohio, where he played safety and wide receiver and earned first-team All-Ohio honors as a defensive back. Despite his accomplishments, Fannin was underrecruited due to academic challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. He wasn't even rated by recruiting services like 24/7.

Nevertheless, Bowling Green University recognized his potential and believed in its faculty's ability to support his academic adjustment. Consequently, they made considerable efforts to ensure he would attend Bowling Green and play tight end.

After three years at Bowling Green, Fannin Jr. walks away with 10 FBS records. In 2024, he led all FBS players in 20 categories, including receiving yards, receptions, and yards after catch. Over his career, he averaged 111 receiving yards per game against Power 4 opponents across three games. Fannin Jr. was named a consensus All-American in 2024 and received the Vern Smith Leadership Award, which is given to the conference MVP. Throughout his career, Fannin Jr. started 20 of his 36 games for the Falcons.

According to PFF, Fannin Jr. recorded 1,555 receiving yards on 150 targets and 117 receptions, with 10 touchdowns and just four drops in 2024. Among 85 FBS tight ends with at least 30 targets in 2024, Fannin Jr. achieved the highest overall PFF grade and receiving grade. In 2024, his run-blocking grade placed 15th among 293 qualifying tight ends. However, it is essential to note that much of his run blocking occurred from the slot and out wide rather than in line.

Harold Fannin Jr. is a different type of athlete at the tight end position. While he might not be TE1 in this year's draft, he might be the draft class's most interesting players at the position.

Positives:
✅ Impressive athlete with rare body control and flexibility for his… pic.twitter.com/3IVh67VJMc
— Quinten Krzysko (@ButkusStats) January 20, 2025

Harold Fannin Jr. Strengths:

Impressive Athlete: Fannin Jr. demonstrates exceptional body control and flexibility for his size. He is a naturally fluid route runner with a strong awareness of space.
Alignment Versatility: He was utilized throughout the formation at Bowling Green, gaining experience in-line, in the slot, out wide, and in the backfield.
Route Versatility: Has the vertical speed to challenge the seam, along with the route-running footwork and agility to execute breaking routes effectively.
YAC Monster: A dangerous ball carrier who can gain yards after the catch by evading defenders or breaking tackles.
Prove It: Stepped up significantly against Penn State and Texas A&M in 2024, racking up 282 yards against two highly ranked opponents.

Harold Fannin Jr. Weaknesses:

Underweight: He is too small to play inline frequently at the NFL level, so he will need to be moved around the formation.
Blocking: To play on the line at the NFL level, he must significantly improve his technique, knowledge, and power.
Awareness: A few focus drops and route miscommunications with the quarterback appeared on tape. This could be a symptom of 150 targets, but it is still worth noting.
Level of Competition: He excelled against a lower level of competition, where he was the best player on the field and was utilized as a key component for the offense. What is his role in the NFL?

Final Thoughts and Bears Fit for Harold Fannin Jr.:

When a player from the MAC or FCS levels gets hyped up, I often find myself disappointed by the tape. A true 5-star caliber recruit at the MAC or FCS levels should completely dominate the competition, but that’s usually not true. Then I watched Harold Fannin Jr. light up Penn State for 137 yards, followed by 17 catches on 22 targets for 213 yards against Arkansas State. That’s what an elite prospect should look like against MAC competition.

Fannin Jr. is not the most versatile tight end. As he enters the NFL, he won't have an immediate impact in the trenches. However, he possesses a strong blocking mentality and should be able to play in line with some additional mass. That isn't the ideal frame for him, though.

With his rare combination of body control, speed, agility, and a natural sense of space, using him primarily as a pass catcher is the better strategy. With Cole Kmet already occupying the in-line role for the Chicago Bears, Fannin could be a strong fit as a second-round pick. Part of me believes Ben Johnson desires a more NFL-ready blocker for his second tight end. Still, the other part knows you shouldn't routinely pass on players like Fannin Jr. If the Bears tackle all three offensive line vacancies in free agency and the first round, I can easily envision a scenario where they select Fannin in the second round.

Comp: Isaiah Likely