What seemed like an odd decision at first might soon pay off for the Cleveland Browns. They took two tight ends late in the 2026 NFL Draft, and while that may have hinted at the doubts they had — and may still have — about the position, it may have also been a blessing in disguise.
The Browns hoped that Joe Royer would contribute to the passing game with his explosiveness. There was no way of knowing he wouldn't be available for training camp and the preseason due to an undisclosed personal matter.
With one of the candidates getting hurt, another returning to college (yeah, that's crazy), and Royer not in the building, fellow rookie tight end Carsen Ryan made the most of every opportunity.
Not only did the seventh-round draft pick turn heads as a pass catcher and blocker, but coach Todd Monken also liked his work as an H-back.
“It’s not a sexy spot to go from a guy who catches a lot of passes and envisions scoring touchdowns to kicking out an end on power," Monken said. "It’s really not what he’s dreaming of. But I thought he embraced that part of it, and you could see his confidence growing in the physical part of it."
Carsen Ryan went from the roster bubble to a potential key contributor
The Browns also kept 34-year-old fullback Michael Burton on their 53-man roster. That was a highly questionable decision, especially given his recent injury history and the fact that Ryan seemed more than willing and capable of embracing that role, if needed.
That said, it sounds like Monken wouldn't rule out giving the rookie tight end opportunities to show what he can do in a fullback role. It's still too early to tell, but the Browns may have found their very own Kyle Juszczyk, especially if Burton struggles or gets hurt.
Ryan is the type of team-first player who won't hesitate to put his body on the line to move guys out of the way. And just like every late-round rookie, he's got a chip on his shoulder that's typical of those who have to earn every snap they get during each week of practice.
His collegiate career wasn't necessarily flashy, and Ryan had to move around to find his footing and make his way to the pros.
Now, after nearly going undrafted, he might be in line for a big role in Cleveland.
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