While he was a star running back at Tennessee, Dylan Sampson could be a factor for the Browns as a pass catcher in the backfield.

I will write about the Browns QBs later in the summer, but I want to tell you what I heard about some of the other players based on what they did in the various spring practices. I’m concentrating on the rookies and other under-the-radar players. Remember, there was no tackling, so things can change when the hitting begins:

He could be … special right away: That’s what I heard about Carson Schwesinger, the team’s second-round pick from UCLA. The Browns believe he can start immediately at middle linebacker. He quickly picks up the defensive schemes. They love his speed. They believe he is as advanced at this early stage as Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah during his rookie season.

He could be … a nice addition: The Browns signed Ralph Holley, a defensive lineman who led the Canadian Football League in sacks last season playing for Toronto. He’s 26. He wasn’t drafted out of Western Michigan. He then played in the USFL and the CFL. At 6-foot and 285 pounds, Holley has a chance to make the team and perhaps be a significant backup.

Harold Fannin Jr. has shown his excellent pass-catching skills in spring practices.

How it works … for some guys: Holley is like a lot of undrafted players in NFL camps. He signed a three-year, $2.9 million contract with the team. According to overthecap.com, only his $20,000 signing bonus is guaranteed.

He could be … an impact player right away: Harold Fannin Jr. impressed the Browns with his pass-catching ability. They lined him up at different spots on the field. He grasped the offense quickly. He looked confident and prepared from Day 1, in terms of how he handled the different concepts the Browns threw at him. The Canton McKinley and Bowling Green product could be a steal in the third round.

They can’t wait to see … Fannin when the pads come out: While the Browns appreciated how he caught the ball, Fannin excelled in college running after the catch. Fannin led all of Division I teams in Yards After Catch (YAC) with 873 and all receivers/tight ends in broken tackles (63). Sometimes, a player from a Mid-Major program such as Bowling Green is a bit star-struck in his first pro camp. That could have been a big factor, given Fannin played at Canton McKinley and the Browns are his hometown team. But that wasn’t the case.

Carson Schwesinger is on his way to be an opening day starting middle linebacker.

They can’t wait to see … Quinshon Judkins when the pads come out: The Browns worked him a lot catching passes because these non-tackling practices can’t highlight a runner’s skill set. Judkins looked comfortable catching the ball. They believe he will be the starting running back that they need to rush for 1,000 yards and help carry the offense.

Keep an eye on … Cameron Thomas: He was a third-round pick by Arizona in 2022 out of San Diego State. He was traded by the Cardinals to Kansas City, then cut by the Chiefs. The Browns signed him on Nov. 27, 2024. He played 63 snaps over the final five games. The Browns think he was used in the wrong position as a linebacker early in his pro career. They like him as a traditional, hand-in-the-dirt defensive end. They believe he’s a good fit for the Jim Schwartz defense.

The opportunity is there … for Jamari Thrash: The Browns are looking for receivers behind Jerry Jeudy. Cedric Tillman would be No. 2 right now. Based on the spring practices, Thrash has emerged as No. 3. He played 142 snaps last season and caught only three passes. They believe he’s made major progress heading into his second pro year.

Dylan Sampson … is like a fun toy: Coach Kevin Stefanski believes the star running back from Tennessee has a lot of ability as a receiver out of the backfield. They are working very hard with him in terms of developing his receiving skills. This could be a way to have Judkins and Sampson on the field at the same time.

Mason Graham ... comes as advertised: You can’t really know until the hitting begins, but the first-round pick rapidly picked up how the Browns play defense. They like his quickness and attitude.

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