Harold Fannin Jr. NFL Combine Preview: The Most Versatile TE in the 2025 Draft?
Indianapolis, IN – Harold Fannin Jr. is heading to the 2025 NFL Combine, and he’s one of the most exciting tight end prospects in this year’s draft class. The former Bowling Green star put up record-breaking numbers in college, and now he’ll get the chance to showcase his athleticism in front of NFL scouts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
It’s that time of year again—the NFL Combine, aka the “Underwear Olympics,” where the best college players put their measurables on full display. While game film is always the most important factor, the Combine gives us those tangible data points that fuel draft debates among scouts, analysts, and armchair GMs.
This year’s draft is loaded with talent, but Harold Fannin Jr. stands out as one of the most intriguing tight ends in the class. His versatility and elite production at Bowling Green make him a name to watch in Indianapolis.
Harold Fannin Jr. 2024 Athlete Profile
- School: Bowling Green
- Position: Tight End
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 238 lbs
2024 Awards and Accolades
- AP 1st Team All-American
- Walter Camp All-American
- Vern Smith Leadership Award (MAC’s best player)
- MAC Offensive Player of the Year
- 1st Team All-MAC
- Sporting News 2nd Team All-American
- Broke NCAA records for tight ends: 117 receptions, 1,555 receiving yards
2024 Stats
- 117 receptions
- 1,555 yards
- 10 touchdowns
If you watched Harold Fannin Jr. last season, you know Bowling Green used him everywhere. This dude wasn’t just lining up as a traditional tight end—he was playing outside as a wide receiver, running routes from the slot, and even lining up in the backfield. No matter where he was, he made plays.
Fannin is a nightmare matchup for defenses. He’s too athletic for linebackers to keep up with and too big for nickel corners to handle. Think of a David Njoku or Isaiah Likely type of player, where you move him around to create mismatches all over the field.
Now, if you’re looking for an old-school, in-line blocking tight end, Fannin isn’t that guy. He’s a willing blocker but not someone you want holding up defensive ends 50 snaps a game. He’s best used as a versatile weapon in the passing game—someone you move around and let cook.
What to Watch at the Combine
Blocking is tough to evaluate at the Combine, but what we can see is Fannin’s raw athleticism. His projected 40-yard dash is around 4.62, but I think he smashes that number. I’m predicting he runs somewhere between 4.51 and 4.55, which would put him firmly in the elite tier for tight ends.
And it’s not just his speed—his vertical jump is another test I’m keeping an eye on. I expect him to eclipse 36 inches, showing off the explosiveness that makes him such a dangerous red-zone weapon. If he hits those numbers, it’ll turn a lot of heads in Indy.
The biggest question NFL teams will have? Can his game translate against better competition? The MAC isn’t the SEC, but when you put up numbers like Fannin did, talent is talent.
Where Does He Fit in the NFL?
Most mock drafts have Harold Fannin Jr. going somewhere in the second or third round, and I think that’s fair. He’s ranked as the third-best tight end in the class, and teams that need a versatile pass-catching TE will be all over him.
Possible landing spots?
- Indianapolis Colts – Mo Alie-Cox might be on the way out, and Anthony Richardson would love a big, athletic target in the middle of the field.
- Los Angeles Chargers – With a new offense under Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert needs weapons, and Fannin fits that hybrid TE role perfectly.
Harold Fannin Jr. isn’t your typical tight end, but that’s exactly why I’m excited to see him at the Combine. He put up historic numbers at Bowling Green, and now it’s time to see if that elite production matches up with NFL-caliber athleticism.
