For the Cleveland Browns to have any level of success in the 2026 season, it was imperative for them to find a few winners from the 2026 NFL Draft. The 2025 NFL Draft proved to be fruitful, especially on defense, and the Browns were hoping for similar fortune on offense.
They prioritized their weakest unit with their first three selections, taking OT Spencer Fano with the No. 9 overall pick, WR KC Concepcion at No. 24, and WR Denzel Boston at No. 39. It’s not so easy to determine how well Fano has performed given the lack of statistical categories for offensive linemen, but it’s relatively simple to see how Boston and Concepcion are making an impact.
Boston has 507 receiving yards and Concepcion has 437, which is already a massive improvement for the Browns compared to last year, as their top receiving threat was a tight end, and the rest of the wideouts were underwhelming. These two rookies are not only making a difference for the Browns, but, to this point, they’re the top two in the class when it comes to receiving yards.
PFF noted this, also rounding out the top five with Carnell Tate having 413 yards, Makai Lemon with 312, and Omar Cooper Jr. with 306.
“Most receiving yards among rookies this season Denzel Boston 507 KC Concepcion 437 Carnell Tate 413 Makai Lemon 312 Omar Cooper Jr 306,” PFF wrote.
Most receiving yards among rookies this season
Denzel Boston 507
KC Concepcion 437
Carnell Tate 413
Makai Lemon 312
Omar Cooper Jr 306 pic.twitter.com/HqTKe9oOfV— PFF (@PFF) November 8, 2026
It’s certainly early in the season, but things are looking great for the Browns through their first nine games. The receivers are performing better than anyone could have expected, despite the quarterback play being shaky.
If this trend continues, the Browns could be in a real position to be even more competitive in 2027, assuming they find a quarterback who can consistently hit open receivers, which Concepcion and Boston have been successful in doing thus far. It will be interesting to see how the Browns attack the offseason in that respect, as they’re not necessarily shaping up to have a bottom-10 pick, so they might have to get creative when it comes to finding their next quarterback.
For now, fans can be excited about the current season, looking forward to seeing how much these two will grow over the back half of the campaign.
NEXT: The Browns’ Report Card From The Saints Game Is In
