It’s no secret the New Orleans Saints need more help offensively. That was evident throughout the 2024 season, as the offense struggled to find consistent contributors outside of the top guys. For New Orleans to contend, it’ll need more weapons.
It’ll be interesting to see what the team does about the tight end position this offseason, because Taysom Hill is recovering from a torn ACL, and Juwan Johnson is a free agent. One possible path for the franchise is drafting Harold Fannin Jr.
Harold Fannin Jr. could be an answer at tight end for the Saints
Accolades: MAC Player of the year, All-American, Mackey Award finalist
2024 stats: 117 receptions, 1,555 yards, 10 touchdowns
Size: 6’4”, 230 LBS
Projection: Day 2
Harold Fannin Jr. is a weapon at tight end, capable of wrecking a game with his route running and ability after the catch. The Saints need firepower on offense: picking up the most explosive tight end in the draft would be a great start.
Fannin is an elite route runner for his position. His footwork is impeccable, it’s rare to see his defender able to stay with him. This causes him to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He’s too big and physical for most corners and safeties to guard him but he’s too quick and agile for linebackers to guard him. This results in Fannin having the advantage, no matter what.
Fannin is dynamic after the catch, as defenders were rarely able to bring him down on the first attempt. In 2024, he forced 32 missed tackles, the most in the FBS. In addition, Fannin has 873 yards after the catch, 218 more than the next nearest tight end. He is a rare blend of power and elusiveness. He runs over smaller defenders and can evade the larger tight ends. Fannin is a perfect fit for any offense in need of explosiveness following the catch.
Fannin is sure-handed, rarely dropping passes. He has a 3.3 dropped pass percentage in 2024. He is a reliable target, especially when his team needs a first down. Fannin racked up an absurd 74 receptions for first downs, the most in the FBS. When a new set of downs is needed, he is at his best.
A major problem for most receiving tight ends is their inability to block, this doesn’t ring true for Fannin. He is a great blocker, particularly in the run game. He uses leverage to get under the defender and push him out of the play. Although he is a bit undersized, Fannin doesn’t let that stop him.
Some analysts might be concerned about the lack of competition Fannin has faced, however, he has proved that to be irrelevant. Fannin faced both Penn State and Texas A&M this year. In those games, he had a combined 19 receptions for 282 yards and two touchdowns. He has produced tremendously no matter who he faces.
Fannin’s frame is a slight cause for concern, as he will be on the smaller side for an NFL tight end. This would bring challenges to his run blocking in the NFL, but he isn’t small enough for it to significantly impact his draft stock.
Harold Fannin is a weapon that could revitalize the Saints offense. His route running and ability after the catch make him a highly sought-after prospect. He is a day-two prospect that any team should pursue.