The Cleveland Browns are no strangers to offseason storylines. So far in 2025, though, one unexpected name is creating significant buzz in Berea — rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. As OTAs roll on, the Bowling Green product is making a strong case for an immediate role in Kevin Stefanski’s offense. Sure, most eyes have been glued to Cleveland’s ongoing quarterback shuffle. However, Fannin has quietly — but decisively — seized the spotlight.
A Complicated 2025 Offseason in Cleveland
The Browns entered this offseason walking a tightrope. They avoided complete disaster after Myles Garrett submitted a trade request following the 2024 season. Cleveland ultimately retained their All-Pro defensive end. Keeping Garrett in-house was undoubtedly the most important move Cleveland made. Aside from that, though, there’s little evidence the Browns significantly improved their roster.
The team did execute a smart trade-down with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the draft. The Browns acquired standout defensive tackle Mason Graham and added an extra first-round pick in 2026. However, they had to sacrifice a chance to land two-way phenom Travis Hunter. many viewed him as a franchise-altering talent. This trade-off will be debated for years depending on how Hunter’s career unfolds.
Perhaps more concerning is Cleveland’s inaction on two critical fronts: the quarterback position and the offensive line. The quarterback room remains a revolving door of question marks. None of the options immediately inspire long-term confidence. Meanwhile, the offensive line, once a strength, is on shaky ground. Several key contributors are entering contract years, and the unit’s 59.8 PFF overall grade from 2024 suggests the decline has already begun.
Despite these issues, the Browns did address skill positions in the draft. They brought in new talent at quarterback, running back, and tight end. Curiously, they opted against making major changes to their wide receiver corps. That's a decision that might not sting as much if Fannin continues his rapid ascent.
Fannin Shines Early at OTAs
For much of the early OTA period, Fannin has looked like anything but a rookie. With veteran tight end David Njoku sitting out the voluntary sessions, Fannin has capitalized on the additional first-team reps. He has emerged as one of the most productive pass-catchers on the field. Observers have likened his consistent impact to that of Jerry Jeudy. Fannin is seemingly open on every snap and always making something happen.
That level of production shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who watched Fannin dominate at Bowling Green. In his final college season, Fannin put up video-game numbers: 117 receptions, 1,555 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. His reception and yardage totals weren’t just impressive. They were record-setting, establishing new FBS single-season marks for tight ends. Fannin didn’t just outperform his fellow TEs; he was the heartbeat of Bowling Green’s entire passing offense.
What has been most impressive during Browns OTAs isn’t just Fannin’s hands or his numbers. It's his polish and ability to find soft spots in NFL coverages. During a recent red-zone 7-on-7 period, Fannin provided the play of the day. Running a sharp post route, he gained just enough separation, tracked Joe Flacco’s laser-like throw perfectly, and extended to snatch the ball out of the air. Coming down, he dragged both feet in the back of the end zone for a textbook touchdown. It was the kind of execution one expects from a seasoned pro, not a first-year player still adjusting to NFL speed.
A Perfect Fit for the Browns' Evolving Offense
What makes Fannin’s rise even more intriguing is how naturally his skill set fits into Cleveland’s evolving offensive puzzle. The Browns have quietly assembled a respectable collection of receiving options. However, they lack a true WR1 who can dominate the outside consistently. Their decision not to make any splashy additions to the wide receiver room left some fans concerned. That said, Fannin’s versatility could serve as a creative workaround.
At 6'5 and 242 pounds, Fannin has the frame to operate inline but enough athleticism to split out wide or play in the slot. His route-running polish and exceptional catch radius give whoever wins Cleveland’s quarterback competition a reliable target on intermediate and third-down routes. Simply put: if Stefanski gets creative, Fannin can serve as both security blanket and mismatch weapon.
Don’t be surprised if the Browns experiment with sets that feature both Njoku and Fannin on the field simultaneously. Njoku remains a dynamic playmaker in his own right, of course. However, Fannin’s rise may allow Cleveland to unleash more two-tight end looks, giving defensive coordinators headaches. With Njoku demanding attention in the seams, Fannin could feast underneath or outside against slower linebackers or undersized nickel corners.
How High Is Fannin’s Ceiling?
NFL rookie standouts during OTAs often fade once the pads go on and training camp intensifies. Still, there’s a growing sense around Berea that Fannin might be the real deal.
The opportunity is certainly there. Njoku’s absence during voluntary work opened the door for valuable first-team reps. Even when the veteran returns, though, Cleveland’s offensive staff may have seen enough to force Fannin into the rotation.
The bigger question is whether Cleveland will lean into Fannin's potential as a key offensive chess piece this season. This is especially true considering the instability elsewhere on the roster. They have no clear alpha wide receiver and lingering concerns at quarterback. As such, Stefanski may find that deploying a pair of talented, versatile tight ends offers the most reliable offensive structure heading into a pivotal 2025 campaign.
A Rookie to Watch All Summer
Every year, there’s one unheralded rookie who forces his coaching staff to rethink depth charts before Week 1. Harold Fannin Jr might just be that guy for the Browns in 2025. If his OTA performance is any indication, Cleveland may have quietly landed a game-changing weapon — one who could be catching passes and scoring touchdowns in big moments much sooner than expected.
