Even with training camp underway and some semblance of football games around the corner, we are still in the depths of the NFL offseason.
The talk of the summer has revolved around Shedeur Sanders' chances in the Cleveland Browns' quarterback battle, Aaron Rodgers' last stand, and the great media disrespect of top pick Cam Ward, but even those "juicy" storylines are starting to get a bit stale.
In a recent piece from CBS Sports, Chris Trapasso, the writer, suggested Browns' third-round tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has traits similar to Hall of Famer Antonio Gates.
"Fannin runs like he's nursing an injury, or there are limitations to his knee flexion," Trapasso wrote. "Everyone knew he'd be peppered with targets every game. It didn't matter. He still produced at a high level. Despite catching 955 passes in his legendary NFL career, Gates averaged 12.4 yards per grab in the NFL. As a receiving specialist at the tight end position, I was compelled to go with an underdog for this comparison to Gates."
Considering Fannin went No. 67 overall coming out of Bowling Green, he's not exactly an "underdog" or bears any similar physical traits to the all-time great.
Gates was a much better athlete coming out of school. Nearly 0.2 seconds faster in his 40-yard dash, with incredible leaping ability from his time on the hardwood.
Fannin is going to succeed with great hands and understanding of how to break down defenses, reminiscent of an early-stage Greg Olsen type.
Fannin could be a great player as a pro, but suggesting he shares much in common with Gates besides the TE label on the box score is insulting.