There are many promises in the tight end class of the 2025 NFL Draft. Outside of Tyler Warren (maybe part of the Golem) and Colston Loveland (Shawn Payton's Dream), this class has many tight ends that bring a different flavour to the NFL attack. One of the most interesting cases in that position is Bowling Green TE Harold Fanin Jr.
Search the single season record book and receive the tight end numbers and you'll probably find Fannin's name. Single season receiving yard? Fanin is standing alone at the top after the 2024 campaign in which he scored 1,555 receiving yards at 117 receptions (and also at tight ends in NCAA history). Fanin also performed best against large teams at the Power Conference, earning over 100 yards against both Pennsylvania and Texas A&M.
However, Fanin is a slightly strange projection when it comes to the NFL. As the league moves to 12 people and power gaps and power-based runs, there are tight ends that can block enough to force the team to the baseline, but they aren't stiff in the receiving department. How does Fanin fit into modern NFL violations?
What Fanin brings to the table starts as a receiver. He is compactly built at 6'3 and 241 pounds, but his ability to separate and downfield targets. It's a bit of a cliché to say, but Fannin can really be a vertical field stretcher with seams. He's not too fast, but he's able to help dust his linebacker and safety after going through the first 10 yards. If he gets a free release to do the work vertically, he is going to win on the route. This is a perfect example. He runs an extraordinary route against Arkansas, whose free release gives him time to speed up, and he can use his hip movement to sell inside and then break.
This is another really good example of how Fanin can free release the seams down and stretch the field. Texas A&M runs Tampa 2, and Fanin is working as an internal receiver from another free release, allowing this route to bend directly into the hole in the zone.
Fanin can also be an issue with screen routes and targets from the backfield. He ran the second-lowest screen route in college football in 2024 (behind Tyler Warren, Pennsylvania), and on that route he had a ferocious 0.371 EPA per target. As I said before, he isn't that fast, but his build-up speed is impressive. If he gets a clear lane or runway, he gets a 60 very quickly. On this arrow screen you can see the ability of Fanin to break the tackle and turn this into a 64-yard completion. He's not the most overwhelming athlete, but it's shown to be the load he handles when he gets the ball.
As a blocker, I think Fannin has his moments, but in a certain situation. At his best, Fannin will be used as the second tight end of 12 people and will take on cornerbacks, safety and linebacker. He sometimes gets too wide so that the target can pass him, but once he locks he can become a good blocker in space.
In Mobile's Senior Bowl, Fanin worked as an FTE and a fullback. Get him off the ball and work against LBS and safety, he can make hay as a blocker.
Fanin is a very good receiver in that position, but I think there are a few things that could hinder him. Overall, he's a bit of a weird athlete and eventually ends up stepping onto the route. Some of his struggles came through contact early in his route, as he really has to speed up to win. Bowling Green did an amazing job of taking him into situations where he could use the free release. Plus, Fanin isn't as dynamic as inline blockers, and is overwhelmed by the large and strong edges.
How will it translate into the NFL? I think he has a role, but that will be specific. Due to his flaws as an inline blocker, he must be present to only 12 staff. But does that limit his versatility? If he can't become 11 staff due to a lack of places as a blocker, how high would you take him? At his best in the NFL, I think he's like a potentially Jonusmith or Isaiah player. A specified touch, downfield target, ability to win after catch as a second tight end.
The biggest thing to remember about Fanin is that he is 20 years old. There is still a lot of room for growth and development, and a good coach can help him turn into someone who can play full time. How many 21 and 22 people the Ravens are playing will likely win as the Scrimmage Blocker line and receiver downfield. This is something Fannin can mimic at the NFL level.
Given his age and production, he deserves a swing on the second day of the draft. However, it is necessary for a creative coach to unlock his potential.
