The Cleveland Browns got an unexpected breakout from the tight end position this past season - just not from the guy most fans had penciled in as the go-to option.
While David Njoku battled a knee injury that limited him to 12 games, it was rookie Harold Fannin Jr. who stepped into the spotlight. Fannin didn’t just hold his own - he made history.
The first-year tight end led the team with 72 receptions, setting a franchise rookie record, while also racking up 731 receiving yards and six touchdowns. That kind of production from a rookie tight end is rare - and for the Browns, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Njoku, despite the injury, still managed to be a red zone threat with four touchdowns and was fourth on the team in both receptions (33) and receiving yards (293). But with his contract now up, the Browns face a big decision. If they don’t bring Njoku back, they’ll need someone to pair with Fannin - a rising star, but still just one piece of the puzzle.
General Manager Andrew Berry has already made it clear: this offseason is about building, and building aggressively on the offensive side of the ball. He called it a “critical 120 days” for the franchise - and tight end could be one of the key areas under the microscope.
That brings us to the East-West Shrine Bowl - a stage for NFL hopefuls and a scouting opportunity for front offices across the league. The Browns will be paying close attention, especially to the tight end group. While this game doesn't always feature the top-tier prospects, it’s a great chance to evaluate potential mid- or late-round gems who could fit into Cleveland’s evolving offense.
Here’s a look at the tight ends to watch in the Shrine Bowl:
Eli Raridon, Notre Dame
At 6'7", 251 pounds, Raridon brings size that jumps off the screen. He’s projected as a fourth-round pick, and while his college production wasn’t eye-popping, his frame and potential as a mismatch in the passing game make him a name worth monitoring.
Jack Endries, Texas
Endries had a solid 2025 season: 33 catches for 346 yards and three touchdowns across 13 games.
At 6'4", 236 pounds, he’s more of a move tight end and projects in the fourth-round range. His 10.5 yards per catch shows he can get upfield after the catch, and he could be a nice complement to Fannin’s skill set.
Lake McRee, USC
McRee might be one of the more intriguing options in this group.
He averaged 15 yards per catch in 2025, totaling 450 yards and four touchdowns on 30 receptions. At 6'4", 250 pounds, he’s got the build and the production to make teams take notice.
Currently projected as a sixth-round pick, McRee could be a steal if he continues to show that explosiveness.
Dallen Bentley, Utah
Bentley didn’t put up big numbers in college, but at 6'4", 259 pounds, he’s a physical presence who could develop into a reliable inline option. He’s currently slotted in the fifth-round range and could be a fit for teams looking for a more traditional blocking tight end with upside.
Seydou Traore, Mississippi State
Traore’s 2025 season was quietly productive: 35 catches for 369 yards and five touchdowns.
He’s a bit lighter at 223 pounds, but he’s athletic and could be a weapon in space. He’s currently projected as an undrafted free agent, but his production might earn him a late-round flyer or priority free agent status.
Bauer Sharp, LSU
Sharp put up 252 yards and two touchdowns on 24 catches in 2025.
At 6'5", 246 pounds, he’s got the frame and could be a developmental project. He’s another undrafted projection, but a strong showing in the Shrine Bowl could change that.
Jaren Kanak, Oklahoma
Kanak is a bit of a wild card.
At 6'2", 233 pounds, he’s undersized for a traditional tight end role and is currently projected to go undrafted. But if a team sees a fit for him in a hybrid role, he could find a home.
Lance Mason, Wisconsin
Mason had a solid year with 30 catches for 398 yards and four touchdowns.
He averaged over 13 yards per catch and brings good size at 6'4", 250 pounds. He’s projected as a seventh-round pick and could be one of the more polished options in this group.
The East-West Shrine Bowl, the longest-running college all-star game dating back to 1925, kicks off January 27 at 7 p.m. ET at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. NFL Network will carry the broadcast.
For the Browns, this game is more than just a scouting trip - it’s a chance to find the next piece of their offensive puzzle. With Fannin’s emergence and Njoku’s future uncertain, the tight end room could be in for a shakeup. And with Berry signaling an aggressive approach this offseason, don’t be surprised if one of these Shrine Bowl standouts ends up in Cleveland’s plans.