Jerry Jeudy remains the Cleveland Browns‘ top receiver, but the rookies are already threatening to change the pecking order.
First-round pick KC Concepcion and second-rounder Denzel Boston have been among the most impressive players in training camp. Their emergence is welcome news for an offense searching for more playmakers, though it could eventually come at Jeudy’s expense.
“Though Jerry Jeudy had his most productive day of camp Thursday, it’s clear Boston and fellow rookie KC Concepcion are Cleveland’s most gifted receivers,” Zac Jackson of The Athletic said. “Concepcion gave the team a brief scare with an awkward landing on a shoulder late in Monday’s practice, but he’s shown big-time speed and an ability to adjust to the ball when running routes over the middle.
“Boston was probably the standout offensive player of the spring, when the secondary was down many of its best players. Now, the defense is at full strength and winning most drills, but Boston has consistently used his size to position himself to make contested catches and has clearly earned the trust of Sanders and Watson.”
Jerry Jeudy Looking to Rebound With Browns
Strong training camp performances do not guarantee immediate regular-season success. However, the rookie recognition is uncomfortable news for Jeudy as he attempts to rebound from a disappointing year.
Jeudy followed his Pro Bowl campaign in 2024 with just 50 receptions for 602 yards and two touchdowns last season. His production was nearly cut in half after he posted career highs with 90 catches and 1,229 yards during his first year in Cleveland.
Quarterback instability played a significant role in Jeudy’s decline. Still, the veteran enters this season needing to prove his Pro Bowl campaign was not an outlier as Cleveland’s younger options push for larger roles.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. must also be accounted for after emerging as Cleveland’s most reliable target during his rookie campaign. Fannin led the Browns with 72 receptions, 731 yards and six receiving touchdowns last season.
That gives Cleveland legitimate options in the passing game. It also means Jeudy will face more competition for touches than he did during either of his first two seasons with the Browns.
That said, the additions should create more favorable matchups for Jeudy. He will need to capitalize early and eliminate the drops that plagued him last season.
Browns QB Competition Will Dictate Receiver Production
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during Cleveland Browns Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on July 29, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The Browns’ upgraded receiving corps will only be as effective as the quarterback delivering the ball. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders remain the primary contenders for the starting job.
Neither has separated enough for Monken to end the competition, although the evaluation is entering a more meaningful phase now that the installation portion of camp is winding down. Preseason games will offer the quarterbacks their first opportunity to run the offense in live action.
Watson is attempting to revive his career after missing all of last season, the latest setback in a disappointing Cleveland tenure that began in 2022. Sanders is looking to build on an uneven rookie campaign in which he went 3-4 as the starter.
The Browns open the preseason against the Chicago Bears on August 15 before hosting the Buffalo Bills on August 22.
Browns WR Jerry Jeudy Gets Uncomfortable News on Future