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Every team is excited about their incoming class of rookies, but how will those new players affect each team in 2026?
Let's look at the Cleveland Browns, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from their class while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Cleveland Browns 2026 Draft Class: Which Rookies Will Make an Impact?
Despite a roster full of holes, Andrew Berry elected to draft for need rather than taking the best available player approach when he traded down before landing Spencer Fano (first round). The Browns were aggressive in addressing the offensive line this offseason by adding Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins, and Zion Johnson, which, theoretically, made it possible to address other needs in the first round. Instead, Cleveland landed on Fano, who is likely to shift to left tackle, where he will compete with Dawand Jones for the starting job. Fano’s ability to transition to left tackle is a bit of an unknown, which further complicates this decision. Fano will also need to readjust to blocking in a pro-style offense after spending the 2025 season in Jason Beck’s spread-RPO scheme.
Cleveland also added Austin Barber (third round) to the offensive line, though Barber has little hope of getting on the field as a rookie unless forced into action due to injury. Assuming Fano wins the starting job, Jones will be swing tackle, meaning Barber will be buried on the depth chart to provide further depth at both tackle spots and potentially guard as well. Barber struggled in pass protection throughout his career 一 his blown-block rate ranked in the 50th percentile last year when blocking for traditional dropbacks 一 so his future might be at guard. Parker Brailsford (fifth round) also joins the offensive line and might serve as the backup center.
The Browns doubled down on wide receivers with the selections of KC Concepcion (first round) and Denzel Boston (second round). Concepcion will start immediately, seeing most of his action in the slot. Cleveland will try to scheme up ways to get the ball in his hands and take advantage of his YAC ability. Based on route-adjusted data, he generated 38% more yards after the catch than expected last season. However, Concepcion’s catch rate was also 6.8% below expected last season and fell below expected every year of his career. Boston is less explosive but considerably more reliable than Concepcion, generating a career route-adjusted catch rate 8% above expected. He’s a traditional outside receiver who can win as a possession receiver underneath but also has the size to win contested battles downfield. Boston has a good chance to command a significant target share as a rookie given his consistency.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (second round) will compete for the starting free safety job and will almost certainly take over by 2027 at the latest as Ronnie Hickman enters his final contract year. McNeil-Warren thrives as a ball-hawk in the deep secondary, but his 14% missed-tackle rate is an issue he’ll need to fix.
Justin Jefferson (fifth round) spent five years in college between JUCO and Alabama, but only started one year at the FBS level. Jefferson has impressive athletic traits, but isn’t ready to see the field as a linebacker due to inconsistent anticipation skills. Joe Royer (sixth round) will compete for the backup tight end role behind Harold Fannin Jr. He’s a reliable possession receiver but lacks the length and strength to excel as a blocker, which might be what prevents him from seeing the field initially. Carsen Ryan (seventh round) is more polished as a blocker and has more natural power to hold his own as a blocking tight end.
The selection of Taylen Green (sixth round) is baffling unless the Browns plan to quickly move him to wide receiver. As a quarterback, Green is a developmental prospect who needs more reps to improve his decision making and ability to stand in the pocket against pressure, but how are the Browns going to get him those reps with Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel also on the roster?
The Browns landed four prospects who will start by 2027 at the latest, so this should be viewed as a solid class. However, it will be impossible not to compare Fano to some of the defensive prospects the Browns passed over, most notably Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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