Year two is shaping up to be a defining stretch for Shedeur Sanders, and the Cleveland Browns are making sure he has the tools to take the next step.
Cleveland added a major piece to its offense in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting wide receiver KC Concepcion with the No. 24 overall pick. The move signals a clear priority: surround Sanders with as much playmaking talent as possible as he continues to develop into the franchise quarterback.
After beginning his college career at North Carolina State Wolfpack, he transferred to Texas A&M Aggies for the 2025 season and immediately made an impact. He finished the year with 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns, while adding another score on the ground. His all-around production earned him the Paul Hornung Award, given to the most versatile player in college football.
Versatility is exactly what Cleveland is banking on
“I’m versatile. I make plays. I can play anywhere. I can run any route,” Concepcion said after being drafted. “You guys are going to be getting a dog all over the field.” That kind of flexibility could be critical for Shedeur Sanders and the rest of the Browns’ offense.
The young quarterback showed flashes during his rookie season but, like most first-year passers, dealt with inconsistency. Adding a dynamic receiver who can line up across the formation, and contribute both as a pass catcher and ball carrier, gives the Browns more ways to create mismatches and simplify reads.
Concepcion joins a receiving corps that already includes Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, along with a group of younger options like Isaiah Bond, Luke Floriea and Gage Larvadain. The Browns also added depth through free agency with Tylan Wallace and retained Jamari Thrash.
A deeper and more diverse group than what Sanders had
“We’re going to be a special offense,” Concepcion said. “Everybody has a different strength. If we can all put it together, we will definitely be an explosive offense.” And that’s exactly the expectation in Cleveland with the new receiving core.
The Browns are clearly building around Sanders, and the addition of Concepcion reflects a broader strategy to accelerate his development. Young quarterbacks often take their biggest leap in Year 2 when the supporting cast improves and the system becomes more familiar. Cleveland is aiming to create those conditions.
There’s still work to be done. Chemistry takes time, and integrating a rookie receiver into an already crowded rotation won’t happen overnight. This time around, the pieces are in place for a more dynamic offense.
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