Cleveland Browns: 3 potential contributors no one saw coming

There are plenty of big names on the Cleveland Browns roster, but they could wind up having a few key contributors no one saw coming

With names such as Deshaun Watson, Nick Chubb, Myles Garrett, and Amari Cooper being thrown around, the Cleveland Browns have more than their share of star players. However, any team that truly wants to become a consistent winner needs to have talent from top to bottom.

That means the role players need to be able to get the job done as well. For Cleveland, they have plenty of options in this area but there could be three key contributors in 2022 that no one saw coming.

Cleveland Browns 3 potential contributors no one saw coming

3. Richard LeCounte, S

A fifth-round pick in 2021, Richard LeCounte III had a solid career at the University of Georgia. His junior season saw him record 61 tackles with four picks and he was expected to have an even larger role in 2020.

He had some solid numbers through five games with 26 tackles and three interceptions but a motor vehicle accident ruined his final season. It also had a lot to do with him falling as far as he did in the NFL Draft.

Still, the Browns saw his talent and believed they could find success as long as they were patient. And while he played mostly special teams as a rookie, he did show promise during the preseason.

Even so, he’s getting no love heading into the new year — especially when it comes to the ever-popular Madden ratings as they have him at just 65 overall.

Cleveland’s coaching staff apparently has plenty of love for him though, and that’s all that matters. In fact, their expectations for LeCounte explain why they didn’t go all out for another safety in the offseason — preferring instead to retain Ronnie Harrison as an insurance policy.

Even with Harrison there, LeCounte will likely be given every opportunity to prove he should be one of the top three safeties on the field. And if he does, look for him to be an unexpected contributor in year two.