The Cleveland Browns stockpiled talent in the past two NFL Drafts with the expectation that it would lead to success somewhere down the line. Nobody expected it would happen as soon as this season.
After a 27-24 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Browns are 3-1 for the first time since 2001 and atop the AFC North. It is a surprising start that could mean Cleveland is well ahead of schedule.
Nine players from either the 2025 or 2026 draft started for the Browns on Thursday night, which has ESPN analyst Mina Kimes raving about their young core and giving the organization credit for “an absolutely absurd hit rate.”
“How about this draft class? How about these last two draft classes? It is an absolutely absurd hit rate. First of all, Mason Graham got hurt this game, but last week, he was unblockable. Carson Schwesinger, Defensive Rookie of the Year. Quinshon Judkins is excellent at running back. Harold Fannin Jr. is a weapon. This year, you have Spencer Fano and Austin Barber starting on the offensive line. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, excellent on those crossers, coming downhill on the run. KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, the combination of them, they’re so complementary with each other and Fannin Jr. Next year, this is an extremely desirable situation for a young quarterback to walk into,” Kimes said.
"Next year, this is an extremely desirable situation for a young quarterback to walk into." @minakimes highlights the Browns' strong foundation for the future 🙌 pic.twitter.com/eDk98fe6B5
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 2, 2026
From the 2025 draft class, Graham, a defensive tackle, was second in the NFL with four sacks before leaving in the first quarter against Pittsburgh. Fortunately, his leg injury is not believed to be season-ending, but his recovery timeline is unknown at this point.
Schwesinger has picked up where the linebacker left off last season with 35 total tackles in the first four games. That is a 148-tackle pace over 17 games, which could have him in line to threaten Luke Kuechly’s NFL record for the most in a player’s first two seasons.
Running back Judkins had his best game of the season with 53 yards against Pittsburgh as he regains his form following last year’s season-ending injury. Tight end Fannin leads the Browns with 17 receptions and three touchdown catches.
Among the rookies, Fano, at left tackle, has not allowed a QB pressure in two of his four starts. Barber, who entered the lineup at right guard late in training camp, has graded out as one of the league’s most effective interior linemen. McNeil-Warren made his first start at safety and had two passes defended against Pittsburgh.
That brings Kimes to Concepcion and Boston, a pair of wide receivers who have transformed Cleveland’s offense. They have combined for 50 targets, 30 catches, 428 yards, and two long TDs, both by Boston.
A playoff-caliber season could make it more difficult for the Browns to land a quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft, but based on their recent history, they are likely to find someone worthy of this foundation.
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