The Browns' Week 6 division matchup with the Baltimore Ravens proved to be particularly ugly — a badge of honor for AFC North matchups.
The defensive slobber knocker produced 14 combined punts, eight sacks, and a pair of missed field goals. When the dust settled, the final score was 13-10, and your Cleveland Browns found themselves in sole ownership of first place in the division.
One could make the argument that Baltimore's defense was the best the Browns have faced this season, and while it may not have been smooth sailing, it doesn't matter how you get 'em. A win's a win. Cleveland's reliance on rookies continues to be a blessing and a curse, as the group fluctuates with standout performances and learning experiences.
The Browns' rookies were nonetheless instrumental in stealing this one, even if it wasn't the same guys we've become accustomed to seeing ball out.
The Cleveland Browns rookie class continues to pay huge dividends while developing on the fly
Left tackle Spencer Fano
For the sixth straight week, Spencer Fano played all the offensive snaps for the Cleveland Browns. Pro Football Focus charged him with allowing just two pressures and zero sacks of quarterback Deshaun Watson for the game. What's more, he finished as the team's second-highest-graded pass blocker with an impressive 78.7 grade.
The performance is amplified by the fact that it came against the Ravens' vaunted front, featuring standout EDGE rusher Trey Hendrickson. Fano's grade was brought down by his efforts in the run game. Still, his rookie season continues to be a rousing success. The Browns may have found their left tackle of the future.
Verdict: Stock continues to climb steadily as Fano displays signs of major potential.
Wide receiver KC Concepcion
KC Concepcion had his afternoon cut short last week following a knockout blow from New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick early in the contest. All that ended up meaning was that he was eager for some action. He tied for the team lead with four receptions on six targets (zero drops) for 37 yards. He also notched two carries for 2 yards and had a punt return for 13 yards.
Concepcion continues to chug along nicely as he awaits his breakout game. He was PFF's ninth-highest-graded player on offense on Sunday. In an exciting twist, Concepcion finished with an 80.1 run-block grade, proof that he is impacting the game even when he doesn't have the ball in his hands.
Verdict: Stock is only slowly improving as Todd Monken figures out his skill set.
Wide receiver Denzel Boston
Well, even the great ones have a quiet day every now and then. Boston was targeted five times (zero drops) but was only able to haul one in for 15 yards. It was his least impactful game of the season to this point, though uneven play from his quarterback certainly played a role.
He wound up being the Browns' 14th-ranked offensive player out of 17 qualifiers. Still, the grades were mostly average, including an overall offensive grade of 55.9. Boston is nonetheless squarely in the race for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Verdict: Stock has hit a little snag.
Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
EMW drew the start and wound up playing 54 of 57 defensive snaps. Fellow safety Grant Delpit left the game early with a concussion, which may have contributed to the heavy workload. McNeil-Warren continued to shine as he was PFF's No. 7-ranked defender out of 17 participants with a 73.5 overall defensive grade.
For the day, he finished with six combined tackles, one tackle for loss, and a pass defensed. He was responsible for the Ravens' lone touchdown of the day, a 2-yard pass to tight end Josh Cuevas. That was, however, the only completion McNeil-Warren allowed in his coverage area.
Verdict: Stock continues to rise and eventually he'll be unsittable.
Right guard Austin Barber
It's easy to forget that Barber is a third-round rookie at a new position, given how he's performed this season. Just like Fano, he played all 63 snaps on the day. He finished as Cleveland's fourth-ranked player on offense with a well-rounded performance in both pass- and run-blocking (73.2 and 71.1, respectively).
Barber allowed two pressures but zero sacks on the day. His lone blemish was a holding penalty. Regardless, he continues to be the biggest steal of the Browns' draft. He has played every offensive snap this season, and this was his best performance since Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Verdict: Stock is on the up-and-up.
Linebacker Justin Jefferson
Jefferson was activated for the second straight week, a promising development after being on the inactive list over the first month of the season. On Sunday, he didn't record any official statistics and played exclusively on special teams (13 snaps). His 47.4 grade in that phase ranked 33rd out of 34 participants.
It's admittedly hard to stand out on special teams, so Jefferson deserves some slack on a day when the Ravens only had modest return yardage.
Verdict: Stock is down but not out.
Tight end Carsen Ryan
Ryan was able to get back on the field after missing Week 5 with a calf injury. He didn't notch any offensive snaps, though he played sparingly with five snaps on special teams. PFF ranked his performance 31st. With the Browns' struggles running the ball, perhaps they'll soon turn to him for help in the run-blocking department.
Verdict: Stock unchanged.
Don't pinch yourself, Browns fans. It's real; the Browns are in first place in the AFC North. Outsized contributions by their rookie class are a huge reason why.
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