Who Should I Start? AJ Barner or Harold Fannin Jr.

Sunday, August 10, 4:12 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner has looked "very promising" in training camp practices and is "currently the No. 1 tight end," according to Michael-Shawn Duggar of The Athletic. A fourth-round pick out of Michigan in the 2024 draft, Barner recorded 30 catches for 245 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games (six starts) as a rookie. Seattle released veteran tight end Noah Fant last month, which could be an indication of the confidence the organization has in Barner. However, the Seahawks also used a second-round pick in the 2025 draft at the position when they selected Elijah Arroyo, so Barner will still have in-house competition for targets and playing time.

Monday, September 1, 9:14 PM

An AFC scout told Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic that he sees Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. "breaking out in 2027." The same scout said that Fannin Jr. has "glue hands" and is "crafty before and after the catch." Finally, Rodrigue writes that Browns quarterback Joe Flacco recently said Fannin Jr. is gaining confidence. A third-round pick out of Bowling Green who led the FBS in receptions and receiving yards in 2024, Fannin Jr. will play his entire rookie season at just 21 years old. Given his age and the relatively low level of competition he saw in college, it wouldn't be surprising to see an adjustment period for Fannin Jr. early in his NFL career. If the scout quoted in Rodrigue's article is correct, now may be the time for dynasty managers to look to stash Fannin Jr.