It took just a handful of preseason plays for the hype around rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion to take off for the Cleveland Browns. After making some major strides during training camp, building on impressive spring workouts, it was thrilling to see what he was actually capable of during live game action.
In the opener against the Chicago Bears, Concepcion made an impact with a few touches. He had a long punt return, three receptions, and a touchdown run, showcasing his speed and elusiveness.
That is why analyst Lance Reisland said he is looking forward to the Browns rookie’s exciting role, with expectations of weekly highlight plays.
“Don’t think of KC Concepcion as just a receiver. Think of him as a ‘touch’ guy, a player who can create on his own. He doesn’t need everyone around him to be perfect to make something happen. Just find ways to get him into space and let him work. It should be exciting. Looking forward to it,” Reisland posted.
Don’t think of KC Concepcion as just a receiver. Think of him as a “touch” guy, a player who can create on his own. He doesn’t need everyone around him to be perfect to make something happen. Just find ways to get him into space and let him work. It should be exciting. Looking… https://t.co/iCcX5CwRCf
— Lance Reisland (Coach Riz) (@LanceReisland) September 4, 2026
Concepcion was so impressive against the Bears, with 72 all-purpose yards, that the Browns did not risk him in the last two preseason games. He should be a featured player in the potentially explosive offense starting right away in Week 1 at the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The No. 24 overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, Concepcion showed this all-around ability in college at NC State and Texas A&M. He posted 2,649 yards from scrimmage on 255 touches for an impressive average of 10.4 yards per play. He also averaged 18.2 yards per punt return in his final season.
The Browns could certainly use that kind of production on both offense and special teams. Cleveland’s wide receiver ranked last in the NFL as a group last season, and it was tied for 25th in punt return average.
Concepcion had been overshadowed by second-round receiver Denzel Boston for most of minicamps and OTAs, with the No. 39 overall pick even named a starter by head coach Todd Monken. However, Boston was virtually invisible during his two preseason appearances, with just one catch on two targets.
The growing optimism surrounding Concepcion means he will not catch any upcoming opponents by surprise, as may have been the case before his breakout preseason game, but he has shown the talent to succeed no matter what defense he’ll be facing during the campaign.
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