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

Sunday, January 5, 8:18 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner scored his fourth touchdown of the season in a Week 18 win over the Los Angeles Rams. The rookie out of Michigan has proven to be a solid contributor all season. He will finish the year with 245 yards on 30 receptions in addition to the touchdowns. Barner has a chance to become a more integral part of Seattle's offense in 2025. He has already displayed solid pass-catching chops and solid run after catch ability this season. He also started several games in place of tight end Noah Fant this season. He displayed that he has what it takes to be a potential starting tight end in this league. Barner is worth monitoring throughout the offseason to see what kind of buzz he generates in camp. He is also worth a roster spot in dynasty should he have a full second-year breakout. The future looks like it could be bright for this kid.

Sunday, August 3, 2:11 PM

Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has "already played his way into significant snaps with the No. 1 offense," according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. A third-round pick out of Bowling Green, Fannin Jr. led FBS in receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555) while scoring 11 total touchdowns in his final collegiate season. The Browns have established veteran David Njoku atop their tight end depth chart, but Jackson writes that Fannin Jr. is "going to play a role" as a rookie. The Browns could deploy both of their tight ends on the field together, but it's also possible that Fannin Jr. eats into Njoku's snaps and targets. Fannin Jr.'s deployment is something to monitor throughout the preseason, both for 2025 and beyond.