Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski talks to the media during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Ken Blaze-Imagn ImageS

Browns’ latest signing gives Cleveland a player with one of the most unique NFL draft stories ever despite not being drafted

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Aug 4, 2025 2:44 PM ET

Another week of training camp starts for the Cleveland Browns as they prepare for their first preseason game on Friday against the Carolina Panthers.

The Browns kicked off the week with a roster move, adding a new offensive piece via free agency.

Cleveland signs undrafted tight end Mitch Van Vooren ahead of first preseason game

Mitch Van Vooren is an undrafted free agent out of St. Norbert College, where he transitioned from a college hurdler to a football player. He recently spent time with the Seattle Seahawks earlier this summer. Despite going undrafted, Van Vooren once stood on the NFL Draft stage, announcing a seventh-round pick for the Miami Dolphins at the 2016 NFL Draft.

The story continues: Mitch Van Vooren is signing with the #Browns, per his agent David Gregory of Bullrush Sports. https://t.co/TwCyUKUQf6
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 4, 2025

Interestingly, Van Vooren initially competed as a college hurdler at Marquette before beginning his football career. He played two years at St. Norbert, recording 33 receptions for 510 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024.

Cleveland and Van Vooren are not complete strangers—he participated in the team’s rookie minicamp on a tryout basis earlier this offseason.

At 6-foot-5 and 242 pounds, Van Vooren could see the field in the Browns’ first preseason matchup, especially with veterans like David Njoku unlikely to suit up. Rookie Harold Fannin Jr. is expected to get extended playing time and remains a strong candidate to secure a roster spot.

Blake Whiteheart, Brendan Bates, and Sal Cannella are currently battling for the third tight end spot. You can now add Van Vooren to that competition, although it remains to be seen what Cleveland’s plans are for him and how long he’ll stick on the roster this month.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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