The Cleveland Browns came out of the 2026 NFL Draft with another strong class, headlined by their first three picks. Tackle Spencer Fano and wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston have made quite an impression going all the way back to the first rookie minicamp in April.
Now, four months later, they will get their first taste of NFL action on Saturday afternoon against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. It will be the next important step in their development, and it could provide a good idea if all of the hype surrounding them is warranted.
Insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com revealed what to watch for in the Browns’ first preseason game, as those three players try to build on the momentum they’ve already created.
“I would think that it would be the rookies, the three rookies that were picked highest in terms of Spencer Fano, and then the two rookie receivers. I think all eyes will be on those guys to see how they handle their first pro competition, the speed of the game, and just how they fare in a game like this. Can KC hang on to the ball like he’s been doing in practice? Can Denzel continue to win those contested catches? And Spencer Fano, now that he’s been named the starting left tackle, how does he hold up against NFL competition?” Cabot said.
Fano was the No. 9 overall pick in the first round, with the Browns selecting him as a potential left tackle after he played his final two college seasons on the right side. That risk seems to have paid off, with Fano already earning the starting job as Cleveland tries to get its rebuilt offensive line to gel in time for the regular season opener.
Concepcion, who was the Browns’ second first-round selection at No. 24 overall, was quickly overshadowed somewhat by Boston, who was a second-round choice at No. 39 overall. But the competitive receiver improved a great deal from minicamps until training camp and is going to be a big contributor to the passing game and as a punt returner.
Boston has been seen as the breakout player of the Browns’ workouts to date. Admittedly motivated by his fall into the second round as the seventh wide receiver off the board, he has already earned his starting spot and could emerge as the team’s No. 1 target almost immediately.
Of course, the quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders will be top of mind, but it also will be exciting to see these three heralded rookies take the field for the first time in their hopefully long careers.
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