Browns Given Stellar Review for KC Concepcion Pick
It’s already almost the end of the 2026 NFL draft, with the final day of the event wrapping up on Saturday, April 25.
The Cleveland Browns used their No. 24 pick to select wide receiver KC Concepcion of Texas A&M, and it’s a move that has people talking.
Now, Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today has released his grades for the first-round picks in the 2026 NFL draft.
“The action in Pittsburgh got off to a predictable start with Fernando Mendoza’s coronation as the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders,” he comments. “It didn’t take much longer, however, for the prevailing pre-draft wisdom to fall apart.”
Middlehurst-Schwartz gives the Browns’ pick a B+, which is pretty darn good.
“The future of Cleveland’s aerial attack remains unresolved as the team prepares to head into next season with either Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson behind center,” he notes. “At least next year’s starter – and any potential 2027 quarterback pick – will have a major asset at his disposal in Concepcion.”
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He adds, “The Paul Hornung Award winner can do a little bit of everything, but his calling card is pulling away from coverage and would-be tacklers. The immediate gains might be incremental, but Concepcion should nudge the Browns toward more big plays, including in the return game.”
Does KC Concepcion to the Browns Work?
It’s true that whether Sanders or Watson is stepping in as Q1 at the start of the season, it won’t make a difference if they don’t have some weapons and targets on the field. Concepcion is just that: a solid wide receiver target with a strong track record in college.
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This move makes sense because it doesn’t just set up the franchise for this season but also for seasons to come.
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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 1:07 PM.