5 Cleveland Browns that surprisingly won’t make the Week 1 roster

BEREA, OHIO - AUGUST 16: Sione Takitaki #44 and Jacob Phillips #50 of the Cleveland Browns huddle with other members of the defense during training camp on August 16, 2020 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
BEREA, OHIO - AUGUST 16: Sione Takitaki #44 and Jacob Phillips #50 of the Cleveland Browns huddle with other members of the defense during training camp on August 16, 2020 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Nov 10, 2018; Iowa City, IA, USA; Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Blake Hance (72) and defensive lineman Ben Oxley (94) celebrate after their victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2018; Iowa City, IA, USA; Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Blake Hance (72) and defensive lineman Ben Oxley (94) celebrate after their victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Blake Hance, Guard

One of the bigger heroes of the playoff win in Pittsburgh was the performance of Michael Dunn and Blake Hance. With late news of Joel Bitonio being out because of COVID-19, Dunn was asked to start at left guard and was eventually relieved by Blake Hance.

Not only was Hance asked to come into a game after not playing in over a year, but he also came in to face Cam Heyward, one of the best defensive tackles in the game.

Hance held his own and later became a fan favorite as Baker Mayfield referred to him as “a guy named Blake” he met right before the game in the locker room.

While the story is great, it may quickly come to an end on the active roster for 2021. With the addition of James Hudson in the draft, Chris Hubbard not being injured, and the return of Drew Forbes, it doesn’t look like there is any scenario in which Hance can continue his fairytale.

While it is still up in the air on how many linemen the Browns will carry next season, there is just far too much depth at the position. Browns fans are grateful for the help in the playoffs, but Hance will now be starting his journey of finding another team.