The Cleveland Browns solved most of their problems this offseason, but some still linger. With their unsettled quarterback situation and unproven head coach, it's easy to understand why some might not be optimistic.
However, there are also plenty of reasons for excitement in Berea. The team is trending in the right direction, and even though it might be a while before they can take a leap, the front office clearly has a plan and a vision.
Even if this ends up being a developmental season, it will by no means be a negative year for Todd Monken's team. But if you still need some reasons to tune in and be excited, let's talk about the four youngsters who will be in for a big season.
Despite all the questions surrounding the Browns, these four young players have the talent to reshape expectations in 2026
Dylan Sampson, RB
Everyone seems to be fixated on Quinshon Judkins, and for good reason. He looks like a star in the making, but given this team's quarterback situation, Sampson might actually be in for an expanded role.
Deshaun Watson was a check-down machine in limited training camp action, and Sampson surely made the most of those opportunities. His ability to find gaps in tight spaces and create running lanes for big gains is second to none on the team.
Monken will likely run his offense based on quick-hitters and screen passes to protect Watson out of the gate. That bodes well for an explosive, pass-catching running back.
Mason Graham, DT
Graham has already said that playing without Myles Garrett might, ironically, open more lanes for him to rush the passer. He won't have the benefit of Garrett occupying the quarterback's full attention on every snap, but he's up for the challenge.
The former No. 5 overall pick lived in the Browns' backfield throughout training camp. He looks much more explosive after working on his get-off, and he's reportedly added more moves to his pass-rushing repertoire.
Graham had a solid but unspectacular rookie season in 2025. He was also overshadowed by Carson Schwesinger's surprising surge. Now, he's ready to prove the doubters wrong and make a bigger impact in obvious pass situations.
Isaiah Bond, WR
Isaiah Bond was a late addition last offseason because of his issues off the field. He was a mixed bag as a rookie, with the highs showing enough promise to keep him around, and the lows at times being head-scratchingly low.
He bulked up at bit this offseason, and that should help him endure the wear and tear of bigger defensive backs in Year 2. He should be the first guy off the bench in Cleveland's new stacked wide receiver corps, but he might even make a case to start if Jerry Jeudy struggles.
Watson doesn't throw the deep ball anymore, and that might hurt a projected big-play specialist like Bond. That said, he looked absolutely unstoppable early in Monken's offseason program.
Jared Verse, DE
Perhaps expecting a breakout year from a two-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Rookie of the Year is a big ask, but we haven't seen the best of Jared Verse yet — not by a mile. He's highly motivated and has a huge chip on his shoulder.
Verse has embraced a leadership role from the second he set foot in the building. He's trying to build something in Cleveland, bringing what he learned from a Super Bowl-caliber organization.
Now, he's the alpha dog in this defense, and as such, we expect him to feast and set new career highs on sacks, tackles for loss, pressures, and quarterback hits. That's a high bar, but he's got the potential to be a top-five edge rusher in football.
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