Browns Training Camp Recap: 3 Cleveland players had a strong first week that needs to be talked about
The first week of training camp is in the books for the Cleveland Browns. There’s a few players we must talk about following the first few practices.
The Cleveland Browns wrapped up their first week of 2026 training camp over the weekend, and the quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders has dominated the spotlight. Head coach Todd Monken has a significant decision to make at starting quarterback in his first season on the job. The Browns roster looks dramatically different from a year ago, though, and the first week offered a strong look at several of the changes within the team.
Beyond the quarterback competition, I wanted to highlight three players who should get recognition for strong performances during the opening week of camp.
Denzel Boston flashes as an offensive weapon
Rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston is first up. The second-round pick had a strong offseason training program with Cleveland, and that momentum has carried over into training camp. There hasn’t been a better offensive threat for the Browns this early in camp than Boston.
The 6-foot-4 wide receiver has shown the ability to make contested catches down the field, and he’s getting open rather often. Boston is making plays with both quarterbacks throwing him passes, and he looks like a potential great value pick by the Browns in the second round. Boston is going to be a key contributor for Cleveland’s offense this season, and the early returns around the rookie wide receiver are encouraging.
Mason Graham looks ready to take a leap on the interior
Second-year defensive tackle Mason Graham had a strong offseason in terms of getting his body in a better spot to be a starting NFL defensive tackle, and his first week of training camp was a disruptive one on the interior of the defensive line. The Browns don’t have Maliek Collins out there right now, but Graham has still been a force inside, getting into the backfield rather consistently.
A big Year 2 could be in store for Graham, who was solid as a rookie but didn’t post a stat line that jumped off the page. I expect more production to come in Year 2 for the former No. 5 overall pick.
Dillon Gabriel makes a quiet case for himself
The third name may come as a surprise, but quarterback Dillon Gabriel probably was the most consistent quarterback during the first week of camp in terms of moving the ball, completing passes, and running the offense. Gabriel ended the week with an interception on Saturday that was a tough one in the red zone, but other than that he had a strong week as the team’s third quarterback.
Gabriel is behind both Watson and Sanders at this point, but he’s doing everything he can early on to show he should make this team. The Browns have four quarterbacks pushing for three spots, and Gabriel is putting himself in good position to stick on the roster.
