There’s a lot of optimism surrounding the youth of the Cleveland Browns, as the NFL world frequently applauds the franchise for the foundation it has built through the last two drafts. While Cleveland’s quarterback situation is a bit of a dark cloud over that excitement, fans are still eager to see the young core go to work in 2026.
Throughout training camp, it has been the rookies who have dominated the headlines. Wide receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion look to be key weapons for the offense, offensive tackle Spencer Fano seems ready to be a dominant protector, and safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren appears to be a defensive playmaker.
While these four rookies will play important roles during their first year, their strong camps have made it somewhat easy to overlook that the Browns will still likely revolve around their talented second-year players.
Browns 2025 class will be key for Cleveland, despite quiet training camp
Aside from the now-concluded quarterback competition, Cleveland’s training camp has been all about the catches Denzel Boston was coming down with and how many ways the Browns got the ball in KC Concepcion’s hands. Those two rightfully dominated the headlines, because they are new, and their skillsets are needed. And while they could end up being Cleveland’s top two wideouts, the Browns’ top offensive playmakers may still be a couple of second-year players.
Those players are running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Judkins led Cleveland in rushing last year with 827 yards and seven touchdowns, and Fannin led the team in receiving with 72 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns. With high expectations for their second season, both have had relatively quiet offseasons.
Part of that is because they have both dealt with minor injuries, but another big reason is the nature of their positions. OTAs and training camp aren't exactly set up to show off the strengths of a running back and a tackle-breaking tight end.
The same goes for young defensive talents Carson Schwesinger and Mason Graham. When they have been on the field healthy, it’s not always easy to see just how dominant they’ll be in a live situation as linebackers and defensive tackles.
However, it’s safe to say that once the regular season starts, and the football gets real, Judkins, Fannin, Schwesinger, and Graham will remind everyone why the football world fell in love with the Browns’ 2025 Draft class. Judkins will be the engine of the offense, and Fannin will be a matchup nightmare and quarterback safety valve. Defensively, Schwesinger will be flying all over the field, and Graham will be living in the backfield.
Once the exciting rookies get in a groove and start contributing, the Browns will show a level of promise that will be hard to ignore.
Add us as a preferred source on Google