5 unknown Cleveland Browns who might surprise in 2021

CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 30: Fullback Johnny Stanton #43 of the Cleveland Browns blocks on special teams during training camp at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 30, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Fullback Johnny Stanton will challenge Andy Janovich

Johnny Stanton was able to see 12 snaps of NFL action last season subbing for Andy Janovich, after being temporarily promoted from the Browns practice squad to the big team, and may have a similar role this season. There probably isn’t enough room on the roster for two fullbacks.

Janovich did a great job for the Browns and would be the favorite to retain his position. However, Janovich’s contract is not guaranteed, so if Stanton can do the same job, he could very well win the job. He has only been a fullback for two seasons, so he is still learning how to play. He may have some untapped upside.

Stanton was a backup quarterback at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. It was decided he was not going to make the NFL as a quarterback, but his skill set might translate to linebacker.

So, at his Pro Day, he was listed as a linebacker and the 6-foot-2. 240 lb kid ran a 4.75 40 yard dash, which is not too shabby for an inside linebacker.

Likewise, 4.29 seconds in the 20-yard shuttle is very good. His vertical leap of 37-inches was outstanding.   He also broad jumped 10-foot-1-inch which is very good for a big fellow.  Those numbers were good enough to get him a look-see as a linebacker.

But his hand size was 10 and 1/4  of an inch which made the Minnesota Vikings think that he might still be worth a shot for an offensive skill position, so they tried him at tight end.

Kevin Stefanski liked him well enough to convert him to fullback and stashed him on their practice squad, and then brought him along to the Browns when he became the head coach in 2020.  Maybe the Indians should try him as a utility infielder.

Oh, no — a fullback who is a former quarterback — you don’t suppose they are planning a trick play with him, do you?

They could even activate him for one game using the new rule for practice squad players. It could happen.