Browns' Harold Fannin Jr. Gets Bonkers Brock Bowers Comparison From Todd Monken

New Browns head coach sees star potential in tight end Fannin Jr.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:52pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-air catching a pass, with the figure broken down into overlapping planes of color and shape to capture the dynamic motion of the play.Monken's Bowers comparison raises expectations for Browns' rising tight end Fannin Jr.Cleveland Today

As new Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken builds his first offense, he's already seeing star potential in tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Monken compared the young tight end to current Las Vegas Raiders standout Brock Bowers, saying Fannin has a similar body type and skill set as a pass-catcher with strong ball skills and the ability to run after the catch.

Why it matters

Monken's high praise for Fannin Jr. suggests the tight end will play a major role in the Browns' passing attack next season, even as the team looks to add more offensive weapons in the draft. The Bowers comparison also raises expectations for Fannin to potentially emerge as one of the league's top young tight ends.

The details

As a rookie in 2025, Fannin Jr. led the Browns in receptions (72), receiving yards (731), and receiving touchdowns (6), making a strong first impression. Monken highlighted Fannin's athleticism, ball skills, and ability to run after the catch as traits similar to Bowers, who set numerous rookie records for the Raiders in 2025 before making the Pro Bowl.

  • Monken made the Bowers comparison as he prepares to begin his first season as Browns head coach in 2026.

The players

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, taking over the team for the 2026 NFL season.

Harold Fannin Jr.

A second-year tight end for the Cleveland Browns, who led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns as a rookie in 2025.

Brock Bowers

A star tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders, who set numerous rookie records in 2025 before making the Pro Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“He's a little like Brock Bowers in that his body type is more of an H and F, run after the catch more than length, more as a C gap blocking Y. So you love his athleticism, you like his ability to run after the catch, his ball skills like Brock, very similar in that regard.”

— Todd Monken, Browns Head Coach

What’s next

The Browns will look to add more offensive weapons in the 2026 NFL Draft to complement Fannin Jr. and the rest of their passing attack under new head coach Todd Monken.

The takeaway

Monken's high praise for Fannin Jr. and the Brock Bowers comparison suggests the young tight end is poised for a breakout season in 2026 as a key part of the Browns' passing game. The team's ability to surround Fannin with additional offensive talent will be crucial to unlocking his full potential.