The narrative around the 2026 NFL Draft class was far from flattering. With no high-end talent at the top, scouts and analysts often tabbed it as a thin and underwhelming class.
That might be true for 31 teams, but not for the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns are probably the draft's biggest winners. On paper, they found at least three Day 1 starters, with multiple players also looking like potentially solid contributors right out of the gate.
Of course, that doesn't mean everyone will get to play a big role in the first year of the Todd Monken era. Let's take a look at every Browns draft pick and figure out how often we'll see them on the field in 2026.
From Day 1 starters to developmental projects, Cleveland's rookies will fill very different roles
Spencer Fano, LT — Undisputed starter
This was always the plan, but seeing Fano go head-to-head with Jared Verse and not back down against one of the NFL's top pass rushers sealed the deal. Fano didn't play much in the preseason, but he looked like a natural left tackle.
Don't let his easy-going and playful nature fool you: Fano is an enforcer. Not only is he the team's clear-cut best option at the position, but he could become one of the league's best blindside protectors in no time.
KC Concepcion, WR — Undisputed starter
Concepcion has drawn Zay Flowers comparisons, and he should play a similar role in the Browns' offense right off the bat. He'll move all over the formation, will be a big-play threat, and will also get some carries on jet sweeps and end-arounds.
Concepcion will also reportedly play a big role on special teams. His explosiveness should make him the team's primary punt returner, so he has a chance to lead the team in all-purpose touches in his first season.
Denzel Boston, WR — Undisputed starter
The Browns found not one but two starting wide receivers in this year's draft class. Boston was the talk of training camp, and while we didn't get to see much of him in the preseason games, he should be a go-to receiver on the perimeter.
Boston can man-handle most defensive backs with his physicality and huge frame, and he's got reliable hands. Boston will be out there in every wide receiver set.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S — High-end backup
The Browns traded back up into the second round to land Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. His close-out speed and nose for the ball should get him on the field early and often, though he's still a bit raw.
Ronnie Hickman and Grant Delpit give this team a strong tandem at safety, but defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg will find ways to get his rookie on the field. Whether it's at either safety spot or at nickel, McNeil-Warren's role should grow throughout the season.
Austin Barber, OL — High-end backup
Monken admitted that Barber played his way into starting consideration after the preseason finale. He's listed as an offensive tackle, but Barber might be better suited to move to the interior.
Even if Teven Jenkins ends up starting at right guard in Week 1, it shouldn't take long before Barber claims that spot. The Browns may have found at least two rookie starters for their offensive line in 2026, and Barber will get plenty of chances to secure his spot.
Parker Brailsford, C — middle-tier backup
Brailsford turned heads throughout OTAs and rookie minicamp, but he didn't get to do much in training camp due to a wrist injury. He's healthy now, and even though he's playing catch-up, the team will probably want to give him a look at some point.
Brailsford is undersized, but he's used to wide-zone running schemes at Alabama. He should get a chance to play at some point this season, as starting center Elgton Jenkins can play just about every spot on the line and could be called upon if injuries start to mount.
Justin Jefferson, LB — depth piece/special teamer
Jefferson had an extremely quiet start to training camp, but he's been coming on as of late. He filled the stat sheet with a sack, interception, and 10 total tackles in the Browns' preseason-closing rout of the New England Patriots.
The Browns are more than set at linebacker for now, though. Jefferson might get a couple of snaps here and there, but unless there's a string of injuries, he's more likely to be a special teams contributor in Year 1.
Joe Royer, TE — depth stash
There’s still no word on the circumstances surrounding Royer's absence or if he will report back to the team this season. Even if and when that happens, it might be a while before Royer takes the field, given all the time he's missed.
That said, the Browns loved his playmaking ability as a pass catcher in the spring. They already have Harold Fannin Jr. for that role, but if Royer's ready to play at any point this season, the Browns will likely find snaps for the rookie to see what he can do.
Taylen Green, QB - Developmental piece/gadget player
Green aced his lone audition in the preseason. Granted, it would have been better to see him throw the ball more, but he put his speed, size, and craftiness on full display with some big gains on the ground against the Patriots.
The Browns want him to be a quarterback, but Monken could craft some packages designed to take advantage of Green's quick first step and physicality. He may even score a couple of touchdowns this season.
Carsen Ryan, TE — Depth piece
Ryan snuck his way onto the 53-man roster with a strong camp. The Browns moved him all over the offensive formation. He had some miscues with tipped passes, but he's getting there.
Ryan is a hard-working and versatile tight end who will do whatever is asked of him. He'd probably get some run as an additional blocker at first before earning his touches as a route-runner. He might be the team's TE2 by the end of the season.
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