2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Harold Fannin Jr., Tight End, Bowling Green
| Critical Factors | |||||
| Blocking Ability | Receiving Ability | FBI | |||
| 6 | 7 | 7 | |||
| Positional Factors | |||||
| Run Block | Pass Block | Play Strength | Play Speed | Mismatch | Release |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Catching Skills | Separation | Run After Catch | Clutch | Toughness | ST Value |
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Versatility as receiver and Blocker | Inconsistent technique in blocking |
| Solid Hands | lacks separation |
| Mismatch against linebackers | Pass blocking against edge rushers |
Overall
Harold Fannin Jr. is a versatile tight end with the potential to contribute as both a blocker and receiver. While not elite in either area, he shows solid production and dependability, making him a valuable asset in an offense that utilizes tight ends for mismatches. Fannin is best suited for a hybrid H-TE role, where his athleticism and receiving skills can shine. His ability to learn and execute the playbook highlights his football IQ, but he will need to improve his blocking technique to reach his full potential as a complete tight end.
Pass Game
As a receiver, Fannin demonstrates reliable hands and good ball-tracking ability, making him an effective target in short and intermediate routes. His release off the line is smooth, and he can find soft spots in zone coverage, making him a dependable check-down option. While his separation ability is average, he compensates with body positioning and awareness. Once he secures the ball, Fannin’s run-after-catch ability adds value, as he uses his size and quickness to gain extra yards. He needs to refine his route running to create more consistent separation against man coverage.
Run Game
Fannin’s blocking ability is adequate but inconsistent. He shows good effort and willingness to engage defenders, but his technique needs refinement to consistently hold his ground against stronger defensive ends. His ability to block in space is a strength, particularly in screen and stretch run plays, where his athleticism allows him to get to the second level effectively. Improving his pad level and hand placement will help him become a more effective blocker in power run schemes.
Last Word
Fannin projects as a hybrid H-TE with the ability to impact both the passing and running game. His versatility and athleticism make him a valuable piece in offenses that utilize multiple tight ends or prioritize creating mismatches in the middle of the field. With improved blocking and route-running technique, Fannin has the potential to develop into a reliable starter or a high-end rotational player. His ability to contribute to special teams further enhances his value.
One-Liner
Harold Fannin Jr. is a versatile tight end with solid receiving skills and mismatch potential, best suited for a hybrid H-TE role in a modern offense.
Grade: 6.6 – Ceiling: 6.9 (20%) Floor: 6.5 (30%) Round: 4
Best Fit Teams:
1. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have a history of maximizing hybrid tight ends who can contribute as both receivers and blockers. Fannin’s ability to create mismatches against linebackers and contribute as an outlet receiver would complement the Cowboys’ offensive structure. His run-after-catch ability and size would make him a red-zone weapon, while his blocking ability would provide additional versatility.
2. New York Giants
The Giants’ offense values versatile tight ends who can line up in different spots and create mismatches. Fannin’s ability to play in-line or split out would give the Giants flexibility in their personnel packages. His reliable hands and ability to create yards after the catch would make him a valuable target in short and intermediate passing situations.
3. Buffalo Bills
The Bills’ offense values tight ends who can work the middle of the field and contribute as both blockers and receivers. Fannin’s versatility and football IQ would allow him to play multiple roles in Buffalo’s offense. His ability to separate from linebackers and create after the catch would give the Bills an added dimension in the passing game.
Hunter Kirkhope is an experienced sports data analyst with a strong background in scouting and live data collection. He currently works as a Live Data Analyst at Sports Info Solutions (SIS), where he scouts collegiate football athletes and writes detailed scouting reports based on performance analysis. His expertise includes collecting and analyzing real-time data from USFL games and Division I college football programs, including the University of Akron, Ohio State University, and the University of Pittsburgh.
Hunter’s work at SIS includes providing valuable insights to optimize team performance and inform strategic decisions using industry-standard tools such as Banjo and Connect Teams. He has demonstrated his analytical skills by tracking live statistics for March Madness 2024 and 2025 games and completing a sports analytics certification course through a mock college football game evaluation.
In addition to his professional experience, Hunter has a strong educational foundation in sports analytics and data science. He is pursuing a degree in Sports Data Analytics and Statistics at the University of Akron, where he has excelled in courses like Programming for Data Science, Survival Analytics, Statistical Data Management, and Advanced Statistical Computing. He has also competed in the 2023 and 2024 Cleveland Cavaliers Hackathons, applying his data analysis skills in a competitive environment.
Hunter’s background includes managing game-day operations and logistics as part of the Akron Facilities Staff, as well as serving as the Head Field Crew Manager for the Twinsburg Baseball League. His experience in coordinating events, managing personnel, and maintaining professional environments reflects his strong leadership and operational skills.
Hunter’s technical proficiency includes working with tools like SAS, SPSS, R, Python, C++, and Matlab, along with a deep understanding of sports data collection and performance analysis. His analytical approach and hands-on experience make him a valuable asset in the field of sports analytics and scouting.