Browns to watch alongside Shedeur Sanders vs. Panthers includes potential hidden gem rookie the NFL didn’t even think about drafting
All eyes will be on Shedeur Sandere in the first preseason for the Browns, though there are others worth watching.
The Cleveland Browns will play their first football game of the season tomorrow, and though it’s only the preseason, it’s a great sign that the real thing is almost here.
When Cleveland faces the Carolina Panthers, the Browns will see the opposing starters for a series or two. However, Cleveland is not expected to play many — if any — of its own starters in the preseason opener.
All eyes will be on Shedeur Sanders, who is set to get the start at quarterback for the Browns. But he’s not the only offensive player worth watching. A few others could stand out on Friday night:
WR Jamari Thrash
Thrash should see the field early, especially with both Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman not expected to play. Thrash had a very limited role last season after being selected in the later rounds of the 2024 draft. However, he has stood out during OTAs and training camp, and he’s a player Cleveland will look to rely on this year.
If Thrash can step up and become a consistent third or fourth option in the receiving corps, it would be a big win for the Browns. He has a good chance to make a couple of big plays on Friday.
WR Luke Floriea
Floriea is one of the more intriguing stories of Browns training camp. The Northeast Ohio native from Mentor, who played his college football at Kent State, now has a chance to stick with his hometown team. As a senior at Kent State, he recorded 699 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Though undersized at 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, Floriea brings burst and quickness when the ball is in his hands. He’s formed a noticeable connection with Shedeur Sanders in camp, and that chemistry could carry over into game action.
Floriea has a real shot at earning a spot on the practice squad. He’s already shown he’s a sure-handed receiver who consistently gets open and holds onto the ball. Last week, he took a big hit from a Browns safety while crossing the middle — and still held on. Cleveland likes him, and he wasn’t even on teams’ draft radars a few months ago.
RB Toa Taua
With Jerome Ford and unsigned rookie Quinshon Judkins unavailable, and Pierre Strong dealing with an injury, the Browns’ backfield could feature rookie Dylan Sampson and former UFL standout Toa Taua.
Taua is an intriguing option at 5-foot-9 and 215 pounds, bringing a powerful build to the field. He rushed for 3,995 yards and scored 33 touchdowns during his career at Nevada.
With uncertainty surrounding Judkins’ situation, the Browns are looking for running back depth. This game could be Taua’s opportunity to make his case.
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