ESPN just snubbed Harold Fannin Jr. of the recognition he deserves. The Cleveland Browns’ 2025 tight end pick emerged as the Browns’ position leader and a standout player across the league. Yet, he is nowhere to be seen on the latest tight ends for 2026 ranking. 

“His arrow is up. He’s a chess piece that can maneuver in space. He should be a 100-catch guy,” an NFC executive said, per the report. 

On July 10, ESPN released a list of the top 10 tight ends going into the 2026 season. Scouts, coaches, and executives ranked these players. Fannin was listed as an honorable mention, that too the last of the five names in that category. 

This list comes across surprising for another reason. In 2025, Indianapolis Colts TE Tyler Warren led the league among the rookies. He made 76 receptions for 817 yards and was placed No.5. 

“He lived up to expectations,” an NFC scout said, per the ESPN ranking. 

Fannin, 21, trailed him with 72 receptions for 731 yards.

Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders came in first, followed by Trey McBride. San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle came in third on the list. 

Fannin was nowhere close to McBride last season. The Arizona Cardinals’ counterpart set the NFL single-season record with 126 receptions, but Fannin closed in on Warren. 

He emerged as a bright spot for the Browns' 30th-ranked offense. His rookie campaign ended in Week 16 when he sustained a groin injury in the first half of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

He missed the season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals and is still deemed questionable. Despite ESPN’s cold shoulder, a former Browns TE has praised Fannin’s performance.

Gary Barnidge states Harold Fannin Jr. possesses qualities for two offense positions 

Gary Barnidge, architect of the famous 2015 “Thighmaster Catch,” recently revealed what he thinks Harold Fannin Jr.’s future holds for him.  He sat down for a conversation with Browns On SI contributor Noah Olson and Erik Williams, hosts of the At The Office podcast.

“I think he's doing a tremendous job. I think he has a great run after the catch,” Barnidge said, as reported on July 9. “I think he's literally a receiver in a tight end body. He has that ability, and I think he's truly going to improve on his run blocking this year. I know they didn't ask for it from him much last year. 

David Njoku was the Cleveland Browns’ primary tight end but had an underwhelming season last year. He amassed just 33 receptions for 293 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns over 12 games. 

This is where Fannin stepped up and took over longtime veteran David Njoku. The Browns have a valuable player on their roster regardless of what reports suggest.

Will he return to replicate this past success on the field this year? What are your thoughts? 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar