It’s going to be a brand-new world for the Cleveland Browns when they open the 2026 NFL season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. That’s especially true on offense, where they will have at least seven new starters, including quarterback Deshaun Watson, who hasn’t played in a regular-season game in almost two years.
In addition to a completely rebuilt offensive line, the Browns revamped their wide receivers by adding KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. The rookies lived up to that lofty status during camps and the preseason, but now they must take it to another level.
Browns head coach Todd Monken revealed that the wideouts are the unit he is most excited about heading into Week 1.
“I’m really excited about the young wideouts and looking forward to those guys playing. We’ve seen it in training camp. We’ve seen the plays that they’ve made, but it is completely different going to play in games where it counts. So, I’m excited to watch those guys. I don’t really have any position group that keeps me up at night because of what I’ve seen on a daily basis. I know we’re gonna get our players’ best,” Monken said.
"I'm really excited about the young wideouts and looking forward to those guys playing…so, I'm excited to watch those guys. I don't really have any position group that keeps me up at night because of what I've seen on a daily basis."
➡️ #Browns head coach Todd Monken w/… pic.twitter.com/1PpxRf1OtV
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) September 8, 2026
Concepcion served notice that he is ready to roll with an outstanding showing in his only preseason appearance. He posted 72 all-purpose yards, including a 31-yard punt return, a 14-yard touchdown run, and three receptions from Watson as the duo continues to build their relationship.
On the other hand, Boston, who was universally recognized as the Browns’ standout player during spring workouts and training camp, had an underwhelming preseason. He had just one catch in the first game against the Chicago Bears, and he was the only offensive starter used in the second game against the Buffalo Bills.
Second-year pro Isaiah Bond also has breakout potential among Cleveland’s wide receivers. After spending some time in concussion protocol, he was able to return to practice on Monday.
As far as areas of the team that may concern Monken, he said there were none. But he likely will be watching the offensive line very closely, as the starting unit spent very little time together in the preseason, including rookie left tackle Spencer Fano.
It will also be Monken’s first game as an NFL head coach, and he is likely to come out of it with a few things he did not expect and has to work on himself heading toward Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
NEXT: Todd Monken Addresses Browns Fans’ Frustration Over Deshaun Watson
