Harold Fannin Jr., Gunnar Helm, Mason Taylor, Elijah Arroyo, and the fight to be TE3 in the 2025 NFL Draft class
The 2025 NFL Draft class is already beginning to creep closer and closer. The all-star circuit is behind us, leaving the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine and pro day circuit as the major events still to be seen and dissected. April will be here before you know it. Things are going to change over the next […]
The 2025 NFL Draft class is already beginning to creep closer and closer. The all-star circuit is behind us, leaving the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine and pro day circuit as the major events still to be seen and dissected. April will be here before you know it.
Things are going to change over the next couple of months, but some positions more than others. One position group that does seem to be pretty settled up top right now is at tight end. Unless something changes drastically, Penn State star Tyler Warren is going to be the first off the board, and has a chance to go in the top 15 when all is said and done.
The next tight end off of the board will more than likely be Michigan standout Colston Loveland, who is a favorite to also go in the first round as well. Perhaps the bigger question is who will be third off the board? There appear to be four players who could realistically hold that title in the end, so let’s debate.
Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green)
There has been some interesting conversation around Fannin. Some love him, citing his linear explosiveness, and ability after the catch. Others are hesitant on him because of his size, limitations in the run game, and some slight stiffness as a route runner. This is a player where the beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder.
For a team who prioritizes the H-back position, and a player who can move all over the formation, a team could value him to a high degree. There is effort in the run game, but Fannin does his best work on the move. That will never be a great part of his game.
Gunnar Helm (Texas)
Helm was one of the biggest breakout stars in college football this season, hauling in 60 receptions for 786 yards and seven touchdowns. He makes plays with outstanding smoothness for a player his size. Helm doesn’t always necessarily look like he’s moving incredibly fast but he still chews up grass. That makes Helm surprisingly good after the catch.
From a blocking perspective, Helm has shown major improvements over the course of the season. He has the frame to be very good in that capacity, but the technique is still very inconsistent. Helm is also a pretty average route runner, too often choreographing his breaks before they happen. There is a lot of Dawson Knox in his game, a really nice athlete with blocking upside.
Mason Taylor (LSU)
The son of NFL Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, there was always going to be a lot of hype around Mason. In his first two years with LSU, it felt pretty unwarranted. In 2024, however, he took his game to a much higher level. Before the season, he was a pretty raw athlete who also wasn’t the best blocker.
While Taylor’s impact in the running game is still a work in progress, it was still a ton better this fall than it was previously. Perhaps his biggest improvements have come in his explosiveness. Taylor has become a much better route runner, and his game overall has taken a nice jump. He always had a big body and strong hands, but has become a much more well-rounded player.
Elijah Arroyo (Miami)
After Arroyo’s breakout showing at the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl, everyone is beginning to jump on the bandwagon. And honestly, it’s very understandable. At right around 6-4 and 251 pounds, Arroyo is a very gifted athlete. He gets in and out of breaks like a much smaller player. You also see those qualities when Arroyo works after the catch.
If you love blocking, this won’t be your pick of the litter. While Arroyo has effort in that area, he isn’t overly powerful at the point of attack. He can do some nice things on the move, but that’s where his impact begins and ends. You are drafting him to make plays in the passing game.
VERDICT
There might be some recency bias in this take, but I am buying full stock into Arroyo as the third tight end off of the board. He just has the most upside as a pass catcher, and it might not be that close. Add in the fact that he’s only 21 years old and you have some high upside to continue tapping into. Helm might be the best all-around player right now, but the ceiling conversation always plays into who is valued where.
