The Cleveland Browns may have uncovered a gem in Harold Fannin Jr., and they didn’t have to wait long to see it shine. The rookie tight end wasted no time making his presence felt in 2025, leading the team in receptions (72), receiving yards (731), and touchdown catches (6)-all while setting a franchise record for receptions by a rookie. Not bad for a third-round pick.
But while Fannin was breaking out, veteran tight end David Njoku was battling through a frustrating season. A knee injury limited him to just 12 games, and though he still managed to haul in four touchdowns (second-most on the team), his production dipped-finishing fourth on the roster in both receptions (33) and receiving yards (293). Now, with Njoku set to hit free agency, the Browns could be facing a key decision: do they bring back the veteran to pair with their rising star, or look elsewhere to round out the tight end room?
That decision is part of what GM Andrew Berry has called a “critical 120 days” to reshape the Browns’ roster. Berry’s already made it clear that Cleveland plans to make a “heavy investment” on the offensive side of the ball, and tight end could very well be on the offseason shopping list.
Enter the Senior Bowl.
Often overlooked by casual fans, the Senior Bowl is a major checkpoint for NFL teams looking to evaluate draft prospects-especially those who may not be household names but could carve out roles at the next level. With a deep class of tight ends taking the field in Mobile, Alabama, this weekend, the Browns’ front office will be watching closely. Here’s a look at some of the names to keep an eye on:
Will Kacmarek, Ohio State
- Height/Weight: 6'5", 262 lbs
- Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round A big-bodied target from a powerhouse program, Kacmarek brings size and physicality to the position.
While he’s flying under the radar right now, his measurables and blocking ability could intrigue teams looking for a developmental prospect.
John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming
- Height/Weight: 6'5", 251 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 24 receptions, 217 yards, 1 TD in 9 games
- Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round
- PFF Rank: No. 160 overall, No. 15 among TEs Gyllenborg isn’t flashy, but he’s reliable.
He averaged over 24 receiving yards per game and has the frame to be a matchup problem in the red zone. His stock could rise with a strong showing in Mobile.
Josh Cuevas, Alabama
- Height/Weight: 6'3", 252 lbs
- Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round
- PFF Rank: No. 113 overall, No. 9 among TEs
Coming out of Alabama, Cuevas has been tested against elite competition. His combination of athleticism and versatility gives him a shot to climb draft boards, especially if he can flash some pass-catching upside during the Senior Bowl week.
Tanner Koziol, Houston
- Height/Weight: 6'6", 245 lbs
- Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round
- PFF Rank: No. 152 overall, No. 13 among TEs
Koziol brings intriguing size and reach, making him a potential red-zone weapon. He’s projected to go in the middle rounds, and teams will be watching to see if he can separate himself from the pack with his route running and hands.
Justin Joly, NC State
- Height/Weight: 6'3", 251 lbs
- Projected Draft Range: Third Round
- PFF Rank: No. 86 overall, No. 6 among TEs
Joly is one of the more polished prospects in this group, and his third-round projection reflects that. He’s a smooth route runner with the ability to create after the catch-a skill set that could complement Fannin nicely if the Browns are looking for a 1-2 punch.
Sam Roush, Stanford
- Height/Weight: 6'5", 259 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 49 receptions, 545 yards, 2 TDs in 12 games
- Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
- PFF Rank: No. 102 overall, No. 7 among TEs Roush put together a solid season at Stanford, catching nearly 50 passes and averaging over 45 yards per game.
Despite that, he’s currently projected as an undrafted free agent-a status that could change quickly if he puts together a strong week in Mobile.
DJ Rogers, TCU
- Height/Weight: 6'3", 242 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 34 receptions, 319 yards, 2 TDs in 13 games
- Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Rogers has decent production and athleticism, but will need to stand out in drills and interviews to improve his stock. He’s a name to watch among the UDFA group.
Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M
- Height/Weight: 6'4", 250 lbs
- Projected Draft Range: Seventh Round
- PFF Rank: No. 174 overall, No. 17 among TEs
Boerkircher is another late-round option who could offer depth and developmental upside. He’s not a flashy prospect, but he brings a solid frame and work ethic to the table.
Dan Villari, Syracuse
- Height/Weight: 6'4", 243 lbs
- Projected Draft Range: Seventh Round Villari is a bit of a wild card-he’s got the size and athleticism, but will need to show consistency in his route running and hands to earn a draft selection.
Matthew Hibner, SMU
- Height/Weight: 6'5", 252 lbs
- Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
- PFF Rank: No. 356 overall, No. 30 among TEs
Hibner is a long shot, but the Senior Bowl is the perfect stage for players like him to make noise. A strong week could vault him into late-round consideration.
The Senior Bowl kicks off January 31 at 2:30 p.m. ET at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, and will be televised on NFL Network. For the Browns-and every other team in the league-it’s a chance to get a final in-game look at tight end prospects before the draft boards start to solidify.
With Fannin Jr. already looking like a long-term asset, the Browns don’t necessarily need a star at tight end. But they do need a complement-someone who can block, catch, and grow with this offense. Whether that player is already on the roster, sitting in free agency, or waiting to be discovered in Mobile, the next few months will be pivotal.