The Cleveland Browns opened rookie minicamp with first-round wide receiver KC Concepcion unsigned.
Concepcion and second-round safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are the only Browns rookies yet to sign.
The group that did sign before the first practice session includes No. 9 overall pick Spencer Fano, second-round wide receiver Denzel Boston, third-round offensive tackle Austin Barber, fifth-round center Parker Brailsford, fifth-round linebacker Justin Jefferson, fifth-round tight end Joe Royer, sixth-round quarterback Taylen Green and seventh-round tight end Carsen Ryan.
It’s not ideal, but it’s unlikely to create any major issues for the Browns. Rookie contract holdups usually come down to guaranteed money and offset language. Cleveland dealt with a version of that just last year, when running back Quinshon Judkins’ rookie deal dragged out. The delay, combined with his off-field issues, led to a late arrival.
Both Concepcion and McNeil-Warren participated in Friday’s practice despite not yet being under contract.
Browns Have High Expectations for KC Concepcion
Concepcion arrives in Cleveland with high expectations as the Browns look to retool their offense. In his lone season with the Aggies after transferring from NC State, Concepcion posted 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns, earning first-team All-SEC honors.
He joins a Browns receiving corps that already includes Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, Isaiah Bond, and fellow rookie Denzel Boston.
“I’m versatile. I make plays. I can play anywhere. I can run any route. Whenever I get there, you guys are going to be getting a dog all over the field,” Conception said after being selected by the Browns. “We’re going to be a special offense. Everybody has a different strength. So I just feel like if we can all put it together, we will definitely be an explosive offense.”
The only way to go for the Browns’ receiving corps is up. The Browns’ wide receiver room finished last in the NFL in receiving yards (1,467) and receiving touchdowns (4) last season. Jeudy led Browns wideouts with 602 yards, while no receiver had more than two touchdown catches.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. led the Browns in receiving yards with 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns.
Browns Rookies Getting Familiar
Concepcion caught passes from Green during the first day of camp. The two are getting acquainted as teammates and started out on the right foot.
“Me and Taylen had actually met at the (NFL) Combine as well,” Concepcion said. “He’s an amazing person, amazing athlete. He has an arm, he can run. I just have to keep getting open for him.”
Concepcion underwent a knee scope in March, but there were no visible limitations during the rookie session.
“We did, we monitored him a little bit, but he was clear. He was good to go. Knee looks great,” Browns coach Todd Monken said. “We just want to make sure we get through basically this weekend and the first week.”
Concepcion echoed that confidence.
“It felt amazing,” he said. “I feel 100 percent. I’m just ready to play.”
Concepcion is expected to carve out a meaningful role in the Browns’ offense right away, with the potential to contribute in the kick return game as well.
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