More than likely, the Indianapolis Colts will take a tight end at some point in the 2025 NFL Draft. Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus believes they should select Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. on Day 3 (if he slides that far).
“If Fannin isn’t scooped up on Day 2 of the draft, the Colts should leap at the opportunity to snag one of the most underrated tight ends in the class on Day 3,” Cameron wrote. “He’s a bit of a stiff mover, but the Bowling Green standout is a bona fide weapon in the receiving game, having earned the highest PFF grade (94.9) in the class from an in-line alignment.”
Fannin isn’t the top tight-end prospect in the draft. Yet, he could be a steal for the Colts if they can land him on Day 3.
Tight End Harold Fannin Jr. Would Be a Great Day 3 Pick for the Indianapolis Colts
Spotlighting His Career
Harold Fannin Jr. played three seasons at Bowling Green. During his freshman year, he caught 19 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown. He recorded 44 receptions, 623 yards, and six touchdowns the following season.
Fannin had a monster year in 2024. He led the nation in receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555,) to go along with 10 touchdowns. He’s the first tight end in college football history to lead the nation in both categories. Fannin also rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown. His eight 100-yard receiving games tied for most in the country. In addition, he was a Consensus All-American and the MAC Most Valuable Player.
Bowling Green lost 38-81 to Arkansas State in the 68 Ventures Bowl. Yet, Fannin had 17 catches and 213 yards (both FBS postseason records) in the losing effort.
Fannin ultimately passed on his final season of college football and entered the NFL draft. He’s projected to be one of the first tight ends drafted this year.
Does He Make Sense for the Colts?
Kylen Granson, Drew Ogletree, Mo Alie-Cox, and Will Mallory were the four tight ends who played for the Colts in 2024. The group combined for only 39 catches, 467 receiving yards, and a pair of touchdowns.
Meanwhile, fellow tight end Brock Bowers, who the Colts were rumored to be interested in last year, caught 112 passes for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie a season ago. Needless to say, Indy needs to upgrade their tight-end room.
The Colts own the 14th overall pick in the draft. Most fans want the team to take a tight end in the first round. Either Penn State’s Tyler Warren (if he’s still around) or Michigan’s Colston Loveland would be an ideal selection. Both prospects would be a major upgrade over anyone in the Colts’ 2024 tight end room.
While Harold Fannin Jr. isn’t expected to be as good as Warren or Loveland, he could still be a great pro. The Canton, Ohio native possesses vertical athleticism, good hand-eye coordination, and playmaking after the catch. He could certainly help out Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones (whoever wins the Colts’ starting quarterback competition) in the short-passing game.
By selecting Fannin on Day 3, the Colts could address other needs early on and still land a top-notch tight end. So yes, the team should consider taking the former Bowling Green star.
Main Image: Vasha Hunt – USA Today Sports
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