HEIGHT: 6'3"

WEIGHT: 231

POSITIVES

— Vertical athleticism to threaten defenses up the seams.

— Strong-handed receiver with good hand-eye coordination when tracking the ball.

— Playmaking after the catch, good play strength, and functional agility in space.

— Potential matchup nightmare due to position and scheme versatility.

NEGATIVES

— Lacks the traditional height/weight NFL teams' desire for in-line tight ends.

— Lacks lower body strength at the point of attack as an in-line blocker.

— Can struggle when facing physical and handsy press coverage defenders.

— Needs to expand his release package to ensure transition as a big/power-slot in the NFL.

NOTES

— Unranked LB recruit in 2022 class, per 247Sports

— 2024: Mackey Award Semifinalist

— 2023: First-Team All-MAC

— Ranks inside top-10 receiving records for Bowling Green University

OVERALL

Harold Fannin Jr. is a fun, talented, and versatile tight end who expects to be used as a power slot in the NFL.

Fannin Jr. is having an incredible season from a production standpoint. He aligns in multiple positions for Bowling Green's offense—as the h-back, in the backfield, outside, in the slot, in bunch, and stacked sets. Fannin Jr. brings a strong pass-catching skill set to an NFL offense. He runs good routes against zone and off-man coverages. With good stems, body control, and play strength, he gets open routinely. He does a good job attacking angles and leverages against defenders, giving him cushion/playing from depth.

Fannin Jr. is a three-layer threat in the passing game, effectively impacting the game as a quick/short, intermediate, and downfield receiver.

He has displayed outstanding hands when targeted. He plucks the ball from the air with supreme confidence and plays well through contact at the catch point. Fannin Jr. has two drops on 171 targets throughout his career. He is a hassle to bring down once the football is in his possession. He is strong after the catch and can force missed tackles singled up in space with a defender.

As a blocker, Fannin Jr. is effective in both the run and passing games. He cuts off access points to the ball carrier well by using his body to wall off defenders. He possesses good and functional arm length to lock out at the point of attack. Fannin Jr. blocks well from h-back alignment on split flow concepts, in space as a lead blocker, and climbing to pick off defenders on the perimeter.

That said, as a traditional in-line blocker, he will not pass the test for most teams. Fannin Jr. does not bring outstanding power or size to the fight to be trusted against traditional NFL defensive ends/edge defenders in the run game. He doesn't generate enough force in man/down block situations to overpower defenders and drive them off the ball.

Fannin Jr. is a talented pass catcher, but his effectiveness in defeating physical press defenders is a work in progress. He needs to improve his use of hands in the contact window to counter physical punches and grabby defenders. His release package is underwhelming and repetitive, leading to struggles separating quickly from this style of defense. Due to his size, he will primarily be viewed and used as a big/power-slot tight end at the next level.

Overall, Harold Fannin Jr. projects as a highly functioning pass-catching tight end with alignment versatility. Creative offensive play callers are best if you want to maximize his skill set to its fullest potential. He will be able to generate favorable matchups based on his alignment fluidity. In the right offensive system and role, he can be a top-3 receiving option at the next level.

GRADE: 7.75 (Potential Impact Player — Second Round)

OVERALL RANK: 32

POSITION RANK: TE2

PRO COMPARISON: Isaiah Likely

Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson

Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.