The Cleveland Browns are kicking off their NFL season in Week 1 with a huge challenge, already down some offensive line firepower. Expected starting right guard Teven Jenkins is out for the game, meaning their 2026 NFL Draft third-round pick, Austin Barber, is stepping right into the starting lineup. This isn’t just one young guy filling in, though. This move highlights a massive youth movement in Cleveland that could completely redefine their future.
Cleveland’s Future Is Starting Right Now
Seriously, out of the 17 players GM Andrew Berry snagged in the 2025 and 2026 drafts, a mind-blowing nine are slated to start on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Think about that for a second. That’s almost half their starting lineup built on guys from the last two drafts! On offense, we are talking about serious talent like running back Quinshon Judkins, tight end Harold Fannin Jr., left tackle Spencer Fano, Barber himself at right guard, and wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. That is a ton of young skill on one side of the ball. It shows a clear strategy, a full-on commitment to building through the draft and letting those guys learn on the fly.
Depth Chart Is Packed With Fresh Faces
It’s not just the starters, either. This roster is absolutely stacked with young talent ready to make noise. Defensively, you’ve got first- and second-year drafted starters like defensive tackle Mason Graham and linebacker Carson Schwesinger. But the depth chart tells an even wilder story. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders is just one snap away from being the starter. Running back Dylan Sampson is the second stringer, ready for an important role. Linebacker Justin Jefferson is set to contribute on special teams, and safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is expected to see a lot of time as the third safety. And get this: even three undrafted free agents from last year, linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (listed as a starter!), running back Raheim Sanders, and defensive tackle Adin Huntington, are looking at significant roles this season. It’s an aggressive strategy that puts a lot on these young guys’ shoulders right away.
This commitment to youth, spearheaded by GM Andrew Berry, is all about solidifying the future. They even got defensive end Jared Verse as part of the draft capital from the Myles Garrett trade, which is a big play for long-term success. Sure, some guys like Dillon Gabriel are on injured reserve, and others like center Parker Brailsford and quarterback Taylen Green are still developing. But looking at all these first- and second-year players stepping up, you gotta wonder if Cleveland just found the secret sauce. Heading into Week 1 against the Jaguars, every single play these young Browns make is going to be scrutinized. You know they’re looking to prove that Berry’s draft strategy is the real deal and that their ceiling is seriously high, starting right now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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