The Cleveland Browns have already promoted two of their rookies from the 2026 NFL Draft into the starting lineup, as left tackle Spencer Fano and wide receiver Denzel Boston have been very impressive during training camp. In addition, KC Concepcion is on the verge of joining them after his standout performance in the first preseason game.
It is the latest impressive addition of talent to the Browns’ roster. Last year, the draft produced Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger along with starting running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Now, with the possibility of a new quarterback arriving with one of their two first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, Cleveland could be set up very well for the future.
CBS Sports analyst JP Acosta revealed one reason for optimism for the Browns, and that is its impressive collection of young talent.
“The Cleveland youth movement,” Acosta wrote. “Stop me if you’ve heard this before: The Browns might be bad, but their young guys are talented and can be built around. I know we’ve been on this ride before with Cleveland, but the biggest reason for hope on a team with one of the worst QB battles in the league is that all of their prized young guys are going to play significant reps.”
On defense, in addition to Schwesinger, the Browns have defensive tackle Mason Graham, who was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Rookie safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a potential starter who was a second-round pick this year.
The Browns also made a move for the future at defensive end when they traded Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams and got younger Jared Verse in return. Entering his third season at 25 years old, Verse is a former Defensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowl selection, and while he is not at Garrett’s level right now, his timeline aligns better with the Browns’ potential window of contention than the 30-year-old sacks record-holder would have.
With second-year wide receiver Isaiah Bond emerging as a big-play threat, running back Dylan Sampson a good pass catcher out of the backfield, and rookie linemen Austin Barber and Parker Brailsford other potential starters, the final 53-man roster this season will be loaded with promise. Getting the most out of it will be the job of head coach Todd Monken and his staff.
If they can, the Browns could be playoff contenders in the very near future.
NEXT: Browns Lose To Bills 31-7 In Second Preseason Game
