KC Concepcion says he’s built to make plays for the Browns, praising Myles Garrett while addressing drop concerns and comparisons to Zay Flowers after the 2026 NFL Draft selection.
The Cleveland Browns moved quickly in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, landing two key pieces on Thursday: offensive tackle Spencer Fano at No. 9 and wide receiver KC Concepcion at No. 24.
Concepcion’s message to Browns fans was direct and confident as he framed his role in an AFC North offense that will lean into tempo. route versatility. and playmaking after the selection.. “I’m versatile.. I make plays.. I can play anywhere. ” he told reporters. adding that the team’s passing attack will benefit from his ability to attack the field from multiple alignments.. He also promised a physical edge with the ball in his hands. saying: “You guys are going to be getting a dog all over the field.”
For Cleveland. that kind of self-assessment matters as much as the highlight reel—because Concepcion arrives with a specific question hanging over his reputation: drops.. During his comments, he didn’t dodge it, instead pointing to work as the answer.. “I’m going to work nonstop. ” he said. signaling that the development plan in the building will be both technical and relentless.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry addressed the same concern with a broader lens.. In his view, drops are not unique to Concepcion, suggesting that even elite receivers have moments where the ball slips.. “Every receiver besides maybe Larry Fitzgerald has a couple drops. ” Berry said. then pivoted to what Cleveland expects to outweigh the mistakes.. “He’s electric with the ball in his hands, and we’re looking forward to having him.”
What adds another layer for Browns fans is how Berry connected Concepcion to a recent performance benchmark in the division.. He pointed to similarities to Zay Flowers—specifically movement skills. “twitch. ” and the same type of hand-question that comes with younger wideouts.. “I do think there are some similarities in terms of the movement skills. the twitch and some of the questions regarding the hands coming out. ” Berry said. before landing on the upside: if Cleveland can develop Concepcion into something comparable. the investment could pay off fast.
That comparison carries weight because Flowers is not just a productive receiver; he has established a repeatable ceiling.. Berry’s logic is simple: if Cleveland ends up with a receiver who grows into the kind of impact that Flowers has delivered. it would quickly turn Concepcion’s draft-story—from a risk tag—into a results-driven headline.. The Browns have to feel confident about what they saw. because they drafted him after multiple other wideouts had already been taken: Carnell Tate (No.. 4), Jordyn Tyson (No.. 8), and Makai Lemon (No.. 20).. When Cleveland waited until No.. 24, it suggested they were targeting a specific profile—one they believed would still be available.
There’s also a major contextual reason the pick feels purposeful rather than reactive.. Concepcion is an All-American from Texas A&M, and that collegiate track record gives Cleveland something to build on.. More importantly. it adds a second thread to the Browns’ draft focus: strengthening an aerial attack that had been too reliant on Jerry Jeudy.. By bringing in a high-ceiling option at wide receiver. Cleveland signals it wants more than a single passing outlet—it wants a deeper set of threats that can stretch defenses and create favorable matchups.
The risk, of course, is real.. Concepcion is often described as high-risk/high-reward because the drops issue isn’t just a footnote—it’s the type of flaw that can cost drives early in a rookie season.. Still. Cleveland may be leaning on a familiar development logic: take the player whose game can change when the fundamentals catch up.. If Concepcion’s hands stabilize as he moves through the learning curve. his route-running range and ball-in-play explosiveness could become a consistent advantage. not a highlight-only flash.
And there’s a human side to this transition, too.. Concepcion spoke about the opportunity to learn from Myles Garrett. calling him a “role model.” For a young receiver. that matters in ways fans sometimes overlook.. A franchise edge rusher changes how quarterbacks play—timing. spacing. pocket behavior—and it can reshape a passing offense’s habits.. If Concepcion is confident enough to talk about earning trust quickly. it hints that he expects to contribute early alongside the Browns’ bigger pieces.
Looking ahead, Cleveland will likely judge this pick through two lenses at once: playmaking output and reliability on third downs.. If Concepcion can reduce the drop total while maintaining the aggressiveness he talked about—playing “anywhere. ” winning route matchups. and delivering after the catch—the Browns could be staring at a major swing in their receiving room.. With the AFC North always moving fast and defenses ready. the best part of Concepcion’s story might be the one Cleveland didn’t have to say out loud: if he hits. the risk becomes the spark. and the Browns end up with an offensive identity they can build on for years.