Concepcion runs for TD in preseason debut

It’s been an impressive few weeks of camp for Boston, who has flashed on several occasions since things got underway. The rookie second-rounder has made enough of an impression to begin working with the first-team offense ahead of the team’s first preseason game, which suggests he is well on his way to solidifying an early role in the offense. While the Browns’ quarterback situation leaves much to be desired, Boston could end up having a solid fantasy floor in his rookie season under Monken. Both he and fellow rookie KC Concepcion are intriguing later-round picks in redraft leagues this season.

Concepcion landed hard on his right shoulder near the end of Monday’s practice and was in visible pain while making his way to the sideline. Despite the initial scare, it doesn’t appear this is anything too serious. The rookie receiver has made a strong early impression in training camp and is one of the more intriguing late-round dart throws in fantasy drafts this season.

Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot posted a video to her X account on Monday, where Concepcion can be seen walking to the sideline with a trainer while holding his right shoulder. We don’t know much beyond what we saw on Cabot’s video, so this will be one to keep an eye on. Concepcion has enjoyed a strong camp with the Browns through the first week and is expected to be a focal point in the offense in his rookie year under Todd Monken.

Oyefusi says the plays to Concepcion varied from “deep shots to screens to run plays,” as the versatile receiver has seemingly been all over the place early this offseason. It was reported earlier this month that head coach Todd Monken planned to design touches for Concepcion, who many believed to be one of the best overall playmakers in this year’s draft. It still remains to be seen how he will be deployed in his rookie season, but Concepcion could have a chance to be the most productive receiver in the Browns’ passing game this season, given his ability to operate in the short areas of the field and in the quick passing game. He is a player who will be worth a close watch in training camp, as any reports of significant usage could hint at a quick return in value for fantasy managers who drafted him.

Per Jackson, organized team activities and mandatory minicamp “offered clues” about Monken’s use of motion and how he plans to “hunt mismatches in the quick passing game and use misdirection to create space and passing lanes for the quarterback.” That said, Jackson also believes that either TE Harold Fannin or fellow rookie WR Denzel Boston will be the “leading receiver.” It remains to be seen whether Monken will actually dial up a high target volume for an X-receiver like Boston. He featured WR Zay Flowers, who Concepcion has been likened to, as the top target-earning wide receiver with the Ravens. If Concepcion only gets a few designed looks per game, it will be tough for him to produce reliably in fantasy. If he can be more than that, even while earning targets behind Fannin while Boston stretches the field, Concepcion can return FLEX value in his first season.

Cleveland’s Mary Kay Cabot reports that Jeudy “felt something in his hamstring today,” so he sat out. Coach Todd Monken made clear that he does not give veterans rest days right now, so if a player sits, it’s because they are being cautious with an injury. Today was the Browns’ final mandatory minicamp practice. They will now go on break until training camp begins in July. Early in May, Cabot reported that the team is hoping Jeudy reclaims his WR1 role this season. Browns rookie WRs KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston have been taking full rotations with both the No. 1 and No. 2 offensive groups. Yesterday, ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi reported Boston “has been one of the Browns’ standouts this summer.” Get well soon, Jeudy. The youngsters look promising.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport adds that Concepcion’s fully guaranteed rookie contract is worth roughly $20 million. Earlier today, we got word that Concepcion and fellow rookie WR Denzel Boston are already taking full rotations with both the No. 1 and No. 2 offensive groups, which is good news. Browns WR Jerry Jeudy currently occupies the No. 1 spot, but that could change if one of the two rookies pens a strong case this summer.

In other words, they’re “going to play a lot” per Jackson. It’s generally a good sign when rookies are already working with the 1s ahead of camp, even if they haven’t literally won the No. 1 role yet. Both players carry some breakout potential, though it’s hard to recommend either as more than a bench redraft league prayer in shallow leagues to open the season given Cleveland’s quarterback situation.

Per ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, Concepcion participated in individual and team drills today. Oyefusi’s phrasing is a bit confusing, but we believe he is saying the Browns are closely tracking his Concepcion’s rep count, while allowing Concepcion to practice fully. The 21-year-old rookie underwent a knee scope in March. He told reporters today that he is feeling 100.0 percent healthy.

Cabot later writes that “the Browns really need Jeudy to return to his Pro Bowl form, and are confident he will.” We think her initial, hopeful framing is closer to the truth. Last week, Browns general manager Andrew Berry said rookie WRs KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston’s presence has “zero impact” on Jeudy. There’s an awful lot of reassurance going on here. Jeudy posted a 92/1,229/4 receiving line in 2024 before cratering to a 50/602/2 receiving line in 2025. Jeudy is under contract through 2027, but the dead money and salary cap savings are nearly even if designated as a post-June 1 cut next year. Given the Browns’ pass-catching investments over the last two drafts, and Jeudy’s poor 2025 showing, he looks like a dicey pick in fantasy for 2026.