The David Njoku era in Cleveland has officially come to a close, leaving a 6-foot-4-inch hole in the Browns offense. While 2025 breakout star Harold Fannin Jr. proved he’s a legitimate TE1 after leading the Browns in receptions as a rookie, GM Andrew Berry needs a counterpart to give new head coach Todd Monken scheme options.
As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off in Indianapolis, these three prospects are the best non-first round options to partner with Fannin.
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Max Klare- Ohio State (6’5″, 243-lbs)
The local product is a “matchup nightmare” waiting to happen. Klare is a smooth vertical threat who excelled at creating separation for the Buckeyes.
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Pros: Elite explosiveness off the line and a nuanced route runner who manipulates zone windows like a vet.
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Con: Lacks the functional play strength to consistently anchor as an in-line blocker against NFL power ends.
Round Projection: Day 2 (2nd-to-mid 3rd)
Sam Roush -Stanford (6’5″, 259-lbs)
If Cleveland wants a traditional “Y” to handle the dirty work so Fannin can roam the slot, Roush is the guy. He’s a high-IQ, pro-ready blocker who can make plays with his hands too.
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Pros: Violent, high-effort run blocker with surprisingly soft hands and the frame to survive in the trenches.
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Con: Lacks elusiveness to threaten the seam, making him more of a possession safety valve than a dynamic playmaker.
Round Projection: Day 2/3 (3rd-to-4th)
Dallen Bentley- Utah (6’3″, 262-lbs)
A late-bloomer with a massive wingspan, Bentley looks the part of a future red-zone weapon. He plays with a physical edge as a blocker that fits the AFC North identity.
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Pros: Exceptional body control and “thudding” power at the point of attack; rarely drops a pass targeted in his zip code.
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Con: Can be “clunky” in his lateral movements, leading to struggles against twitchy man-coverage defenders.
Round Projection: Day 3 (5th-to-7th)
