Browns x-factors entering 2026
By: Jake Rajala
The Cleveland Browns need some underrated faces to shine in 2026, if they want to reach the playoffs. After all, they finished with the worst spot in the AFC North with a record of 5-12. With that said, I’m going to lay out x-factors the Browns have.
Harold Fannin Jr.
With the loss of the long term Browns TE David Njoku, the next man up at TE is Harold Fannin Jr. He was one of the most dynamic TE2s last season. So, he is more than ready to handle the load. He will be the TE1. He unleashed 731 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. The scary part is that he’s 21 years old! He should be a Pro Bowler before the age of 25.
Isaiah Bond
The clear WR1 is Jerry Jeudy. After that, I believe the WR2 is Isaiah Bond. He is one of the most explosive players on the team. He burst onto the scene with 338 yards and 18 grabs last season (hence, it’s impressive he averaged 18.8 YPC). I believe he can be a WR2 in the Browns offenses soon. He had more production than Cedric Tillmans (270 yards and two touchdowns). He didn’t have enough reps to get a PFF grade.
Alex Wright
The Browns edge rusher Alex Wright is underrated, partially due to Myles Garrett hogging all of the attention. Garrett won DPOY last season, of course. Wright isn’t a Pro Bowler, but he can be a menace. He had 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and several stuffs last season. He had a PFF grade of 78.5, which is respectable. It’s clear the Browns don’t need another expensive DE.
Ronnie Hickman
Ronnie Hickman has a lot on his plate. He needs to keep QBs (like Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson) scared to test him deep. Hickman had a couple ints, several pass deflections, and 51 solo tackles a season ago. Furthermore, he recorded 71.6, which is somewhat above average. He had 1,042 snaps, so he clearly has a high motor.
Mason Graham
I love the athletic ability from Mason Graham. He’s not Aaron Donald, but he is one of the most gifted DTs in the league. I’d like to see him get more 1 on 1s. He had 36 pressues (22nd in the league) and 36 tackles (15th in the league). If Graham can take the next step, Garrett and Wright should benefit from it.
Honorable Mention:
Dylan Sampson
Dylan Sampson isn’t a prolific RB2 in “the run game”. In the pass game, he’s legit. He recorded 271 yards receiving. He can improve running the ball and be the RB2 that the Browns want. He was their fourth round pick last season, so it makes sense to be patient with him.
The Browns have many underrated players on their team. Heck, Shedeur Sanders is even an x-factor, as it’s hard to peg him in as a Pro Bowler right now. They also have a pair of x-factors on the DL.
Leave a Reply