Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, announcing via his official social media accounts. The Biletnikoff Award snub enjoyed a dynamic campaign, setting an FBS record for receiving yards by a TE in a single season with 1,555. Fannin Jr.'s declaration throws an exciting wrench into the makeup of this tight end class.
Fannin Jr. could push Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren for top-ranking bragging rights at the position throughout the pre-draft process. The film highlights an alignment-versatile prospect with terrific hands and athleticism. Fannin Jr. will offer an offensive coordinator creativity and flexibility at the next level.
Now that Fannin Jr. has announced his decision to enter the draft, we've identified three ideal team fits for his skill set.
Los Angeles Chargers
Ladd McConkey has emerged as the go-to playmaker in the Los Angeles Chargers' passing offense. McConkey, a dynamic rookie who's already surpassed 1,000 receiving yards, is showcasing terrific chemistry with franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. Elsewhere in the offense, Herbert and play-caller Greg Roman could use more production from the tight end position.
The aging Hayden Hurst has been ineffective while playing on an expiring contract. Stone Smartt has been taking advantage of increased reps, but a true game-changer would elevate this position room. Fannin Jr. needs to improve his usefulness as a blocker to thrive on a Jim Harbaugh-coached team, but he's a willing in-line participant who's simply still developing that area of his game.
Kansas City Chiefs
Tight end is an incredibly important position for the Kansas City Chiefs. Travis Kelce has increased his production as the season's progressed, but the 35-year-old has still scored just three touchdowns this campaign. Kelce may seriously weigh retirement this offseason, especially if the Chiefs win the Super Bowl and complete the three-peat.
Backup tight end Noah Gray ranks fourth on the Chiefs in receiving yards and second in receiving scores. Patrick Mahomes loves his security blankets. Fannin Jr. would project as a dynamic weapon in Andy Reid’s offense. A succession plan for Kelce’s departure needs to be put in place. Expect general manager Brett Veach to invest a premium pick in a prospect like Fannin Jr.
Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead made a serious attempt to trade up for Brock Bowers during the 2024 NFL Draft. Snead failed in his attempt, but his idea was sound. Bowers is shattering tight end rookie records, recording 108 receptions for 1,144 receiving yards and four touchdowns, with one regular-season game remaining.
Expect Snead to reiterate his interest in this excellent tight end class. Cooper Kupp is a potential offseason cap casualty. Kupp has looked past his prime this season, with recurring injuries catching up. The Rams would save $15 million versus the 2025 cap by designating his release as a post-June transaction, but his departure would create a need for a high-volume pass catcher opposite Puka Nacua. That player could be a tight end like Fannin Jr., who would thrive in Sean McVay's offense.
