The Canton-McKinley and Bowling Green product is second on the team in targets (83 to Jerry Jeudy’s 84), and has 21 more catches than any other Cleveland target. He’s been a crucial part of the offense since he first stepped onto the field as a pro, and is still only 21 years old – the fact that he’s accomplishing so much as one of the NFL’s youngest players is extremely impressive.
Fannin should continue to extend his lead in rookie numbers over the final four games of the season, and he is in contention to lead the league, among all positions, in missed tackles forced, as he is a nightmare to tackle with the ball in his hands. The Browns have effectively used in a wide variety of roles this year, and he’s delivered in all of them. He’s proven to be a much-improved blocker from his college days, a testament to quality coaching and a strong work ethic.
Fannin’s performance has raised questions about David Njoku’s long-term future with the team, especially with the latter’s declining production and health. Still, because of his physical limitations, Fannin will likely be best suited to function as a versatile H-back as he has this year as opposed to playing in-line TE as Njoku does, so in order to maximize Fannin’s talent, the team should decide who to pair him with long-term.
It’s been a tough year for the Browns, but the play of Fannin has been a bright spot, and provides hope for what this offense can be in the future.