Typically, after day one of the NFL Draft, I am either shocked, disappointed or deeply sorrowed by the Cleveland Browns’ decisions.
This is not to say there haven’t been successes. Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward are still cornerstones of this team, and both were first round selections. I would consider Baker Mayfield a success (he led the team to a playoff win, after all), and last year’s Mason Graham had a pretty solid rookie campaign.
But when I think of the Browns’ first round draft picks, I think of all the missed opportunities. 2020 and 2021’s selections Jedrick Wills and Greg Newsome aren’t even on the team anymore, and we gave up 2022-2024’s first round picks for a player who has been either suspended or injured for most of the past five years.
From 2012-2016 we had a spectacular array of major first round busts, including Trent Richardson, Brandon Weeden, Barkevious Mingo, Justin Gilbert, Johnny Manziel, Danny Shelton and Corey Coleman. To make matters worse, we passed on generational talent like Luke Kuechly and Aaron Donald to select some of these players.
However, after the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, I find myself excited with the two players the Browns took. The Browns traded down from the No. 6 spot to the No. 9, selecting offensive tackle Spencer Fano from Utah. Then, at No. 24, the Browns took KC Concepcion, a wide receiver from Texas A&M.
Initially, I was against a trade-down. I think there is so much talent in this draft across the board, and, reminded of last year’s trade-down from the No. 2 spot, I was really hoping we would just take Carnell Tate and not overthink it. I don’t think you can go wrong with taking an Ohio State receiver right now, and I wanted Tate in Cleveland.
However, the Tennessee Titans shocked everyone and took Tate at the No. 4 spot. Given that development, I actually liked the Browns’ move to trade down from the No. 6 to the No. 9 spot. The Chiefs took our No. 6 and selected a cornerback, and the top offensive lineman in the draft ended up falling to us at the No. 9 spot!
Fano’s main knack is his length. His arm length and hand size come in a little lower than other linemen in this draft. However, NFL scouts routinely reported his impressive athleticism, and that could more than make up for the lack of length. He had both the highest athleticism score (measures speed, strength and agility) and the highest production score (measures on-field performance) out of all offensive tackles at the 2025 NFL Combine.
And the Browns desperately need help for our uncertain quarterback situation. Whether it is a young, inexperienced Shedeur Sanders or a rusty Deshaun Watson slinging the rock next season, our quarterback will need protection, and Fano comes in with three years of proven starting experience at Utah and athleticism like no other lineman in this class. And with Jack Conklin gone and Joel Bitonio’s retirement decision looming on the horizon, Fano’s addition will be all the more important.
With the No. 24 pick, the Browns took KC Concepcion, who I think will be a fun, electric addition to the team’s offensive weaponry. It also makes up for the fact that we couldn’t take Tate earlier in the round. What I like about Concepcion is what I loved about Baker Mayfield when we drafted him. He’s got swagger.
Concepcion has a stutter that is often the focus when he sits down for an interview, and in a letter to NFL general managers the week before the draft, he addressed it:
“My stutter is part of who I am, but it’s not all of who I am. So, I figured … since I’ve got the pen this time, let me tell you the more complete story.
“Here’s who I also am: I’m the best receiver in this draft. Period.”
Talk about confidence! As soon as I read his letter, I wanted him already. And when the Browns took him I was ecstatic. He went on to write:
“I run crisp routes. I catch everything thrown anywhere near me. I work my tail off every practice, every drill. I get in and out of my breaks fast. And I will outwork ANYBODY you put in front of me.”
Then he told his life story. How he grew up with a dad in and out of prison and was raised mostly by his mother alone. He was the oldest and held the responsibility of being a role model for his siblings while facing adversity after adversity in his life. But he said that he wouldn’t change any of it because it built in him character, compassion and fearlessness.
He ended with a direct call to action to NFL general managers:
“You’re not going to regret calling my name. Never. And I mean never. Did I stutter? -KC”
If that doesn’t get you hyped as a Browns fan, I don’t know what will. I’m ready to run through a wall for this man already.