When the NFL released all teams' schedules back in May, the Browns' odyssey-starting trek to the Sunshine State took center stage. Unfortunately, the tanking Miami Dolphins were not on the docket this time around. Instead, Cleveland had to start the season on the road against the Jaguars — the best team they will face this year, at least based on 2025 records.
The Browns–Jaguars snoozefest went much the way this weekend's Ohio State–Kent State game figures to go — a beatdown that starts early before the superior team settles comfortably into cruise control. Perhaps it's because the Browns are a lot like a college team.
I don't mean that as a slight either. It's simply an acknowledgment of the fact that the Browns are relying on quite a few rookies in major roles. Against a veteran playoff team like the Jaguars, it's going to be tough sledding. All that means is that the youngsters are banking reps and (hopefully) improving.
Browns rookies showed out well despite what the final score says against Jacksonville
Left tackle Spencer Fano — Stock: neutral
Fano drew an unlucky matchup for his first career game. The Jaguars' EDGE rushing duo of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker provided a baptism by fire. Still, Fano held his own. He allowed three pressures but no sacks, and still managed to finish the game with an only slightly below-average Pro Football Focus pass block grade of 59.8.
In the run game, he was slightly worse, with a 54.9 grade. All in all, it was not a catastrophic start. Next week, the Buccaneers' duo of YaYa Diaby and fellow first-rounder Rueben Bain Jr. will test Fano again.
Wide receiver KC Concepcion — Stock: neutral-ish
KC Concepcion figured to be featured a lot in his debut, and Todd Monken saw to that development. Concepcion was targeted four times and caught all four for 43 yards — 15 of which came after the catch. He added three rushes for 15 yards and returned one punt for 10 yards.
The lone blemish on his Week 1 report card was the fumble he lost. In any case, it's an easy fix. According to PFF, Concepcion was the Browns' second-highest-graded player of the 17 who took a snap on offense with a 68.1 grade.
Wide receiver Denzel Boston — Stock: rising
Boston joined his rookie counterpart in showing glimpses of what the future holds for the receiver duo. He was targeted four times and reeled in two of them for 59 yards and a touchdown. His 46-yard touchdown was one of the few Cleveland highlights of the afternoon, and it put on display what the 6'4", 215-pounder is capable of.
After Kevin Stefanski's offense failed to launch time and time again last season, it's at least promising to see Monken hunting the big play.
Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren — Stock: rising
McNeil-Warren has a loaded position group blocking him from seeing more playing time. Still, he got on the field for 14 defensive snaps and notched three combined tackles in his debut. He wasn't targeted in the pass game.
It should excite fans that EMW has a role this early. What's more, his usage (five snaps in the box, eight snaps at free safety, and one in the slot) indicates that he will be used as a Swiss army knife this season.
Right guard Austin Barber — Stock: soaring
Austin Barber drew a somewhat surprising start in place of the injured Teven Jenkins. What he delivered was nothing short of spectacular. The college left tackle was the Browns' highest-graded offensive player with an excellent 82.6 offensive grade.
He shined in both pass (83.2) and run blocking (78.2), earning high marks in each category. He allowed just one pressure in 51 snaps of action. Before long, he may be getting the nod even if Jenkins is healthy.
Tight end Carsen Ryan — Stock: neutral
Ryan was the only other Browns rookie to play on Sunday, and he was relegated exclusively to special teams. He played 13 snaps and was credited with one tackle on the day. After seeing Harold Fannin Jr. and Blake Whiteheart take all the tight end snaps on offense, it will be interesting to see whether Ryan is able to crack the field against the Buccaneers.
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