Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion Named First-Team All-Rookies After Fueling Browns’ Surprising Start

October 8, 2026 · by SPW Pipeline

The Cleveland Browns are getting major returns from their 2026 draft class, and two of their rookie wide receivers are now receiving league-wide recognition for it.

Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion were both named to Dane Brugler’s first-team All-Rookie team through four games. The Athletic draft analyst pointed to the pair as major reasons the Browns have opened the season with a surprising 3-1 record.

Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion Give Cleveland Browns a Rookie-Wide Receiver Edge

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston looks for a pass during the first day of rookie minicamp May 8, 2026, in Berea.

Brugler did not have to look far when picking the top rookie receivers. Boston has proven to be one of the Browns’ most dependable ways of moving the ball down the field, while Concepcion has become yet another critical element of the pass attack.

In four games, Boston has hauled in 13 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns. Boston’s yards per catch mark of 21.8 ranks among the league’s best numbers, and he has provided the Browns with an explosive weapon.

“I don’t think there is much debate over the top rookie receivers through four games. Boston is one of the best move-the-chain players in the league — 76.9 percent of his catches have resulted in a first down or touchdown, which ranks fifth in the league behind only Mike Evans (88.2 percent), Tee Higgins (80 percent), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (78.1 percent) and Flowers (77.8 percent). He and Concepcion deserve a lot of credit for the Browns’ surprising start.”

Dane Brugler of The Athletic named Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion to his first-team All-Rookie list, praising their impact on the Browns’ surprising start.

"I don’t think there is much debate over the top rookie receivers through four games. Boston is one of the best… pic.twitter.com/bVTNNlR3pU

— BrownsNation.com (@BrownsNationcom) October 7, 2026

That production has come despite the Browns still working through an evolving quarterback situation. Veteran Deshaun Watson has been the starter, and Boston has already established itself as a target capable of changing a drive with one play.

Concepcion has provided a different kind of impact. The rookie leads the Browns in targets and has seen 17 over the last two games alone. His growing involvement has made the Browns’ young receiving group even harder to ignore.

The two rookies are also helping push veteran Jerry Jeudy down the pecking order. Jeudy has only five catches for 62 yards through the first four games, while Boston and Concepcion continue to earn larger roles.

Boston’s production has also put him firmly into the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation. The rookie currently ranks near the top of the rookie class in receiving yards, touchdowns, and yards per reception, while his explosive-play ability has stood out even against veteran receivers.

For the Browns, the bigger story may be how quickly their draft class has translated. Boston and Concepcion are two of four rookies starting on offense, alongside left tackle Spencer Fano and guard Austin Barber. Safety: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has also made an impact on defense.

Five rookies from the same class earning significant roles this early is unusual; however, Boston and Concepcion are at the center of the attention, and Brugler’s first-team selections put another spotlight on just how much the Browns are getting from their young receivers.

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Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion Named First-Team All-Rookies After Fueling Browns’ Surprising Start

Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion Give Cleveland Browns a Rookie-Wide Receiver Edge

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