Cleveland’s offense, a unit that limped to 14.8 points per game or less over the last two brutal seasons under former head coach Kevin Stefanski, is suddenly averaging 17.7 points per game. That’s a jump, plain and simple, and it looks like a couple of key 2026 NFL Draft selections are the driving force behind this early season spark after the franchise elected to change leadership, bringing in head coach Todd Monken.
These Rookie Wideouts Are Electric
GM Andrew Berry walked into draft night with a mission: fix the left tackle and wide receiver spots. He delivered. K.C. Concepcion, picked 24th overall in Round 1 out of Texas A&M, and Washington’s Denzel Boston, snagged at 39th overall in Round 2, are legitimately sparking the passing game. The Browns didn’t even think Boston would be there at 39, seeing it as an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.
Concepcion’s game is short and intermediate routes, with his 6.60 air yards per target ranking 10th-lowest among receivers with at least 15 receptions. He’s an absolute nightmare post-catch, elusive with the ball in his hands, and get this: zero drops on the season. That dispels all those pre-draft concerns, right? The guy’s got potential to be a high-level No. 2, but he’s been led into some dangerous hits. Quarterback Deshaun Watson’s accuracy is a bit of a head-scratcher here, off-target on 12.1% of his throws, which is actually worse than the average QB. You gotta wonder how much better Concepcion’s stat line could be with better ball placement, especially for a player who thrives after the grab.
Then there’s Denzel Boston, a completely different beast. This dude has a big frame and a physical play style, exactly what’s thriving in the league right now. While Concepcion runs the shorter stuff, Boston is blowing the top off defenses. He’s first in the league with a whopping 16.45 air yards per target among receivers with at least 15 receptions! He shows real nuance getting out of his breaks and has the size and aggressiveness to go up and get it. He also has zero drops, though a few deep balls have just grazed his fingertips. Boston’s been forced into making contested catches instead of the ball being perfectly on him, so imagine the production if Watson and he found that perfect rhythm!
The Trenches Are Holding Up: O-Line Reboot
It’s not just the pass catchers making a difference. The offensive line, which had seriously deteriorated in recent years, got a much-needed shot in the arm too. Left tackle Spencer Fano, drafted 9th overall, is off to a great start. Alongside Austin Barber, these guys have quickly solidified that rebuilt offensive line. When your quarterback play was inconsistent to bad and the line couldn’t protect, getting these foundational pieces right is clutch.
Cleveland needed a fix, and it looks like Berry’s 2026 class is delivering. Concepcion and Boston are legit sparking the pass game, and Fano and Barber are making sure the pocket stays clean. This offensive turnaround, from a paltry 14.8 PPG to a respectable 17.7 PPG, shows what happens when you hit on your draft picks and make crucial leadership changes. The team’s gotta keep this momentum rolling. Will Watson find that consistent rhythm with his rookie playmakers to unlock their full potential? That’s the question on everyone’s mind as they look to build on this early season surge.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply