Harold Fannin Jr. Is Ready to Take Off in Year 2 - And Todd Monken Might Be the Perfect Pilot
It was one of those moments during the 2025 NFL Draft that made you do a double-take. Harold Fannin Jr., a tight end with eye-popping production and tape to match, slid all the way to No. 67 overall.
Sure, he came out of Bowling Green and didn't face SEC-level defenses every week, but the numbers didn’t lie - and neither did the film. Fannin didn’t just dominate; he jumped off the screen.
The Cleveland Browns clearly saw what others missed. They didn’t waste time easing him in.
From the opening kickoff of the regular season, Fannin was a key part of the offense. And now, with Todd Monken stepping in as the Browns’ new head coach, that involvement is only going to grow.
Here’s why that should have Browns fans buzzing.
Monken + Fannin = A Tight End Dream Pairing
Monken has a track record with tight ends that speaks for itself. Whether it was scheming up explosive plays for Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington at Georgia or maximizing Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely in Baltimore, Monken knows how to get the most out of his tight ends - regardless of the system.
And now he’s reportedly bringing in Travis Switzer, formerly the Ravens’ run game coordinator, as his offensive coordinator. Switzer also has experience working with tight ends, which only strengthens the foundation being laid for Fannin’s development.
For a second-year player like Fannin, that’s huge. He’s coming off a rookie campaign where he led the Browns in receptions (72), targets (107), receiving yards (731), and touchdowns (6) - all while missing a game, sharing snaps with David Njoku, and catching passes from a quarterback carousel that struggled to find rhythm. He even added a rushing touchdown for good measure.
That’s not just a solid rookie season. That’s a breakout.
Monken’s Tight End History Bodes Well
Let’s put Monken’s tight end success into perspective. During his time at Georgia, Bowers and Washington averaged 79 catches, 1,216 yards, and 12 touchdowns per year - combined. That kind of production in a balanced college offense is no small feat.
Then in Baltimore, a team built around the run, Monken still found ways to keep his tight ends heavily involved. Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely combined to average 86 receptions, 945 yards, and 11 touchdowns per season under his watch.
That’s consistency. That’s adaptability.
And that’s exactly what the Browns need.
Monken’s strength is tailoring his offense to fit the talent on the roster. Whether it’s a pass-happy scheme like he ran in Tampa Bay, a balanced attack like Georgia’s, or a ground-and-pound system like Baltimore’s, he adjusts. And with Fannin’s versatility and athleticism, Monken has a weapon he can build around.
What’s Next for the Browns’ Offense?
There’s still some work to do in Cleveland. The Browns need to find a true WR1 to pair with Jerry Jeudy and stretch the field. They also have a decision to make on David Njoku’s future - whether to keep him as a complementary piece or move on to fully clear the runway for Fannin.
But here’s the bottom line: Harold Fannin Jr. is too talented to be an afterthought. He’s already proven he can produce in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Give him a creative offensive mind like Monken, a coordinator who understands how to scheme mismatches, and maybe a little more help on the outside? That’s a recipe for a second-year leap.
The Browns’ offense had its share of struggles last season, but there were bright spots - and Fannin was one of the brightest. With the right coaching and a little more stability around him, he could be on the verge of becoming one of the NFL’s next great tight ends.
Cleveland may have found a gem in the third round. Now they’ve got the coach to polish it.