The Cleveland Browns are hoping to have several players break onto the scene this season, a group led by rookie wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. In addition, second-year standouts Quinshon Judkins, Harold Fannin Jr. and Carson Schwesinger will look to build on impressive rookie campaigns.
The Browns are also hoping against hope that Deshaun Watson can recapture his former Pro Bowl form and provide them an upgrade at quarterback. But in addition to that, Cleveland also needs to get successful seasons from some of the less-heralded players on its roster in order to maximize its success.
Two Browns players who could surprise us all in 2026 are running back Dylan Sampson and defensive lineman Mike Hall Jr.
A fourth-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, Sampson has an ideal opportunity in front of him as Cleveland’s clear No. 2 back behind Judkins. Head coach Todd Monken has big plans for the pass-catching specialist, based on what he has said about Sampson throughout camps and the preseason.
As the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, Monken was able to find valuable snaps for their running backs other than workhorse Derrick Henry. With Judkins not profiling as much of a threat in the passing game, Sampson could be on the field more often and should improve on the 33 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns he posted as a rookie. Also, if Judkins were to get injured, Sampson would be in line to take over full-time, with only Raheim Sanders and blocking fullback Michael Burton currently on the roster.
On defense, Hall will have a similar chance to make an impact, with a season-ending injury to Alex Wright already creating a need on the line. A second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Hall has not lived up to that status, playing just 17 games with 2.5 sacks and 25 combined tackles over his first two seasons.
However, he was making a strong impression at training camp before a slight injury setback, and since his return, he has been used at defensive end, which could be the key to unlocking his potential and making him an integral part of the Browns’ elite unit this season.
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