Andy Reid is one of the NFL’s most creative play callers, but his offense hasn’t found its rhythm through the air this season. Age and injuries are hounding Kansas City’s pass catchers. It’s time for the Chiefs to land some significant contributors in the NFL draft to keep their championship window open.
Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. isn’t a typical prospect at his position. He lacks the mass to provide consistent help as an in-line blocker in the NFL but takes snaps for the Falcons in-line, in the slot, out wide, at H-back and in the gun for wildcat plays. Fannin is a mismatch creator. Linebackers can’t match his acceleration and speed, and defensive backs struggle to bring him down in space.
Fannin flies past linebackers in zone and finds the soft spot between the defense’s second and third levels. He’s an impressive route runner with quick feet and bend to sink his hips at the top of the stem and make sharp cuts. That lower body fluidity and agility help him elude defenders in space and generate yards after the catch.
Fannin’s explosiveness and dynamic athleticism take over after the catch. He uses euro steps, dead legs and jump cuts to avoid would-be tacklers and drives his legs through contact for extra yardage. Bowling Green gives Fannin a mix of schemed touches and traditional routes.
#BowlingGreen NFL prospect Harold Fannin Jr. currently leads all FBS TEs in receiving yards (349), forced missed tackles (10), 1st down/TD (19) and drops (0).
And he’s showing out vs. quality competition:
At Penn St: 11/137/1
At Texas A&M: 8/145/1 pic.twitter.com/ydMtmWAOGO— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 24, 2024
Fannin enters Week 9 of the college season with 60 receptions for 873 yards and five touchdowns. He’s third among all FBS players in both receptions and receiving yards. For context, only seven players have more than 700 receiving yards this season. Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Ball State’s Tanner Koziol are the only other tight ends with more than 500 receiving yards this year.
Bowling Green plays on the road against Toledo at 2:30 p.m. CST on Oct. 26. The Rockets’ defense features several NFL prospects, including safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.