USA TODAY grades Cleveland Browns' selection of WR KC Concepcion

Former Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion spent one magical season in College Station and quickly became starting quarterback Marcel Reed's favorite target outside of current star junior wideout Mario Craver, leading the Aggies with 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns, while also showcasing his elite ability as a punt returner for 456 yards and two touchdowns. Knowing that his third collegiate season would be his last, Concepcion was widely considered a first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, given the need at wide receiver, and on Thursday night, the Cleveland Browns , desperate for a reliable and versatile playmaker, chose the North Carolina native with the 24th overall pick, providing new head coach Todd Monken a future All-Pro-caliber weapon. However, as the third wide receiver selected in the first round behind Carnell Tate (Tennessee) and Jordan Tyson (New Orleans), what grade do the Browns deserve, knowing that a full rebuild is likely on the way with the new regime?

Well, after selecting former Utah star offensive tackle Spencer Fano with the 9th overall pick, choosing Concepcion was a no-brainer given the need for more speed and separation for whoever starts at quarterback next season. On Tuesday, USA TODAY's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz's first round grades included a B+ to Cleveland, noting Concepcion's immediate impact as a punt returner, while his ability in the slot will also help Todd Monken's offense improve late in the season. "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.

At least next year's starter - and any potential 2027 quarterback pick - will have a major asset at his disposal in Concepcion. 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.

" Schwartz is right to state that Conecpcion's ability to create big plays, especially in the middle of the field, will provide either Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders a sure-fire target to generate RAC (run after catch) and further bolster the chances of the Browns offense becoming a respectable unit. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty .