former adventurers vampire spawn

Hello, I’m currently preparing to run Curse of Strahd for a group of five players. While reading through the book, I noticed that there are almost no vampire spawn who were once powerful adventurers but were corrupted by Strahd. This gave me the idea of introducing a small group of such former adventurers, now serving Strahd, who are tasked with sabotaging or otherwise delaying the party on his orders.

Do you think it’s a good idea to have this group confront the players before Strahd himself becomes directly involved, or would that steal the spotlight that Strahd definitely deserves?

Edit: I like the idea of having the players face failed, corrupted adventurers. I think seeing what they could become if they fail to escape Barovia can be an exciting addition and better represent the horror of the land.