Harold Fannin vs Jaylen Warren

“However, Boston faces an uphill battle for immediate fantasy relevance while competing with first-round pick KC Concepcion and tight end Harold Fannin Jr.”

“(CLE) — TE6, Overall RK80, Bye: 11 A third-round pick in last year’s NFL Draft, Harold Fannin was surprisingly impactful as a rookie, racking up 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns to finish TE6 in half-point PPR fantasy scoring.”

“Undervalued: Harold Fannin Jr, Tight End (TE6, Pick 79 OVR) This isn’t to say that Fannin doesn’t belong at TE6, as that’s also where I have him. That is to say that he is a fantastic pick at TE6, and he’s going literally the pick before Kyle Pitts.”

“Harold Fannin in 4 full games that David Njoku missed all of most of last season: • 82.6% route rate • 0.28 targets per route • 27.2% target share”

“Harold Fannin Jr. will face intense competition for targets in 2026 after the Browns drafted KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. He averaged 9.3 PPR fantasy points per game in 11 contests with seven or fewer targets last season.”

“During his rookie year, while sharing a position room with David Njoku , Fannin saw the seventh-most targets (104) and averaged the eighth-most fantasy points per game (11.7). Now, with Njoku on the Chargers, there is potential for Fannin to have an even bigger role.”

“The Ballers shared their concerns about Harold Fannin Jr: Jason: "I hate these middle-round tight ends, but I love Fannin so much." Andy: "I want Harold Fannin to not be a sophomore flop." However, there are concerns from the QB play to the increase in competition to the new head coach and offensive coordinator.”

“He drew the second-most targets per route run at tight end last season (25.5%). While the Browns have questions at quarterback, Fannin is unquestionably the top target in the offense, and new head coach Todd Monken's track record would suggest he plans to rely heavily on him.”

“The Browns already have a target-dominant TE1 in Harold Fannin, and there doesn't feel like there's much room left to prioritize Concepcion in any meaningful way.”

“Fannin finished as the TE8 in points per game and has been elevated to the TE6 in ADP, ahead of Sam LaPorta and Kyle Pitts. Fannin seems likely to field passes from both Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, and both are responsible for some of the worst quarterback play we've seen in the league over the last five years.”

“With Quinshon Judkins returning fully healthy and the Browns overhauling their offensive line to build a more balanced attack in 2026, both Judkins and fellow sophomore Dylan Sampson are expected to be more involved this year, making it difficult to envision Fannin replicating a TE6 finish.”

“Harold Fannin led all Browns players last year with 107 targets, but with Deshaun Watson now as the starter and Cleveland bringing in wideouts KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston to help the team move the ball, a sharp decrease in volume is expected.”

“Warren has been the one constant in Pittsburgh’s backfield over the last several years. He’s answered the bell when called on to do whatever has been needed of him. Through the years, he’s become a solid, well-rounded back who can really do it all.”

“Warren profiles more as the pass catcher and security blanket for Rodgers, but his inefficiency around the goal line may have him giving up those valuable touches to Dowdle, who, despite a small sample size, was extremely effective.”

“Jaylen Warren is a favorite draft target in the seventh round based on ADP.”

“Jaylen Warren should be a target magnet for Aaron Rodgers and is more of an elite playmaker than the newly acquired Rico Dowdle.”

“They swapped in Rico Dowdle for Kenneth Gainwell, and the incoming running back is a better stylistic complement to incumbent Jaylen Warren.”

“Pat Fitzmaurice argued that Warren's pass-catching ability, pass protection skills, and overall versatility make him a strong fit for Pittsburgh's offense. If that role expands further, his current draft cost could become one of the better values at running back.”

“Warren is coming off a career year, but Dowdle handled 236 carries last season and was similarly effective, making this backfield harder to predict. Part of Warren's fantasy appeal is his receiving skill, but Dowdle is no slouch in that department. He caught 39 passes in back-to-back seasons while also rushing for 1,000 yards, something Warren hasn't done.”

“You can take your pick of this backfield between Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, who both finished as fantasy studs last season. My money is on Warren turning into a dud. Dowdle brings more competition for early-down work than Kenneth Gainwell did.”

“Warren has the type of pass-catching profile that ages a bit more gracefully than his "grinder" running back brethren. Since 2023, Warren has been in the top 10 among all running backs in yards per route run (YPRR). In addition to being the presumed early-down back, he is set up to also be the primary passing option out of the backfield this year for an aging Aaron Rodgers.”

“Warren is just flat out the better blocker and receiver, and Warren likely would have the better shot at RB1 upside in PPR.”

“Warren's pass-catching abilities (40 receptions, 333 yards, two TDs) make him uniquely suited to take the Gainwell role in Pittsburgh's scheme.”

“Warren also finished as the overall RB17 in full-PPR leagues last season despite sharing touches with Kenneth Gainwell, who has since signed with Tampa Bay.”