The Cleveland Browns entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a pressing need for pass-catchers. They had already worked extensively on their offensive line, but they lacked a true blue-chip wide receiver to line up next to Jerry Jeudy.
With Carnell Tate off the board and their fondness for left tackle Spencer Fano, they waited until pick No. 24 overall to select KC Concepcion. Then, they doubled down on the position by using the No. 39 overall pick on Denzel Boston, a potential first-round talent who slipped to the second round.
Fast forward to today, and it looks like the Browns landed the two best wide receivers outside of Tate, who went No. 4 overall to the Titans. Judging by the early reports from around the NFL, other teams might not be as pleased with what they've gotten from their early-round rookie wideouts.
KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston are already validating Andrew Berry's vision
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon came off the board at No. 20 overall, four picks before Concepcion. He missed most of Philly's spring program with a lower-body issue, though, and he's reportedly been underwhelming when available in training camp.
The New York Jets selected Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30 overall, but he's facing some unexpected competition for playing time in camp. Special teams standout Isaiah Williams may reportedly pass Cooper over on the team's depth chart before the season opener.
The San Francisco 49ers opened the second round with a surprising reach by taking De'Zhaun Stribling of Ole Miss. He was projected to be a mid-round prospect, and there's been little buzz around him this summer. To add insult to injury, he's also missed practice time with hamstring tightness.
Meanwhile, Concepcion and Boston look like surefire starters for Cleveland. Head coach Todd Monken wants to use their complementary skill sets to give the Browns' offense a more dynamic and modern passing game that keeps defenses guessing.
As expected, Monken promoted both rookies to the first team ahead of the Browns' preseason opener, praising Boston's dominant performances in training camp and gushing over Concepcion's pre-snap motion skills.
“[Boston has] made a bunch of plays. I mean, I’ve seen it, you’ve seen it. He’s made a bunch of plays," Monken said. "We also want to get KC more involved because of what we've seen."
Concepcion could be Monken's version of Zay Flowers, and after watching the former Boston College star turn him into an explosive YAC specialist in Baltimore, there are plenty of reasons to feel excited about this new partnership. Also, he's made big strides in terms of ball security after struggling with drops in college, showcasing his pristine route-running skills and making big adjustments mid-air in camp.
As for Boston, he's been the talk of the town since the moment he set foot in Berea. He's dominated smaller defensive backs left and right, bullying his way to big gains and leading the team in red-zone targets by a significant margin.
The Browns worked the draft board perfectly. Of course, it also takes some good fortune, but after watching other teams swing and miss at the same position, you have to give it to the scouting department.
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