Grading the pick: Browns fill major need with explosive WR KC Concepcion to all but put a bow on their first round
The Cleveland Browns are 2-of-2 on filling big needs in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Cleveland added a big play threat with KC Concepcion at No. 24, here’s how we’re grading it.
There was no time wasted by the Cleveland Browns to make things interesting on Thursday night. The Browns made a trade out of their No. 6 overall pick to the Kansas City Chiefs and they filled a major hole by selecting Utah’s Spencer Fano to fill in at left tackle.
Cleveland is checking off another box with their second pick in the draft at No. 24 overall.
Browns make offensive splash by selecting Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion
The Browns help out their offense with a big investment at wide receiver by selecting Concepcion out of Texas A&M. The former Aggie will have a chance to be a big-time playmaker for the Browns as soon as his rookie season, and he gives the Browns just what they need. Concepcion gives the Browns a 5-foot-11, 196 pound run after the catch menace.
The former NC State standout went into the 2025 season as a notable transfer but he really took his game to another level during his lone year with the Aggies. With experience operating out of the slot and on the outside, Concepcion’s combination of quickness and acceleration stand out in a big way. When working against man coverage, he is almost an impossible cover. Concepcion shows some great moments as a route runner, creating easy separation when getting out of breaks. His ability to get to top speed is a true weapon, quickly chewing up grass and gaining ground against defensive backs. When Concepcion gets the football after the catch, he creates a ton of explosive plays in the open field, making him a perfect fit in the modern space game of the NFL. If Concepcion is able to cut down on the drops, he has the skill set to quickly become a weapon as a versatile pass catcher and dynamic punt returner.
Ryan Roberts
Cleveland’s top wide receivers currently are Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Isaiah Bond. Cleveland passed on signing any notable free agent wide reciever, which signaled they’d be addressing the position in the draft. When the Browns hired Todd Monken as head coach, he preached an explosive offense.
The Browns aren’t adding the quarterback position this offseason and they’ll run it back with either Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson. Cleveland’s next best thing to do to improve the offense is to improve everything around the quarterback, and they’ve done a solid job of it through the first round by filling out their two biggest needs.
Cleveland lands a true game breaker in the draft who can be a Pro Bowler down the road. Concepcion may have struggled with drops at times in his career, but the explosives he creates should have Browns fans thrilled.
Between Quinshon Judkins, Harold Fannin Jr., Jeudy, and now Concepcion — the Browns play making group is looking much better after just one day in the draft.
Grade: A