The Cleveland Browns are generating plenty of buzz, and it's easy to get caught up in the star power of Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Shedeur Sanders. But as any savvy fan knows, championships are built on depth and the unsung heroes who step up when it matters most.
This offseason, General Manager Andrew Berry has been busy reshaping the roster, especially on offense. With new head coach Todd Monken now in charge, the battle for starting spots is heating up across the board. While the pecking order for some positions is clear, a handful of players are quietly poised to make a much bigger impact in 2026 than most people expect.
Here are three under-the-radar Browns to keep your eye on as the season approaches.
1. Dylan Sampson, Running Back
When you think of Cleveland's ground game, the name Quinshon Judkins likely comes to mind first. And for good reason—Judkins was a bright spot in an otherwise tough 2025 season, battling through a challenging off-field situation and a serious leg injury to show he's a true workhorse. But that focus on Judkins has left running back Dylan Sampson flying under the radar.
Sampson brings a completely different skill set to the backfield. While Judkins is a powerful, bruising runner, Sampson is more of a versatile, pass-catching threat. He flashed that potential last season, hauling in 33 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to line up all over the formation is exactly the kind of weapon that coach Monken loves to deploy in creative personnel groupings. The fact that Cleveland didn't add another running back this offseason feels like a strong vote of confidence that Sampson is ready to be the No. 2 option.
2. [Player Name to be inserted], [Position]
Another position where the Browns didn't make a splashy addition was [position group]. Instead, they're looking internally for a player to step into a larger role. [Player Name] has been quietly putting in the work and has the physical tools to surprise people. With a full offseason in Monken's system, he could emerge as a key contributor on [offense/defense/special teams]. Keep an eye on him during training camp—he's the type of player who could earn significant snaps before you know it.
3. [Player Name to be inserted], [Position]
Every great team needs a spark, and [Player Name] has the potential to provide exactly that. Whether it's on special teams or in a rotational role on [defense/offense], his energy and athleticism are hard to ignore. The coaching staff has taken notice, and with a little bit of opportunity, he could become a fan favorite by midseason. Don't be surprised if he makes a few highlight-reel plays that shift the momentum of a game.
As the Browns continue to build toward the 2026 season, remember that the biggest names aren't the only ones worth watching. These under-the-radar players could be the difference between a good season and a great one—and they just might be wearing your favorite jersey before you know it.