The Cleveland Browns head into Week 1 of the NFL season with a couple of injuries on the offensive line, including expected starting right guard Teven Jenkins out for the game. That injury slides 2026 NFL Draft third-round pick Austin Barber into the starting lineup.
While few believe in the Browns, in Week 1 and overall, their ceiling is quite high long-term because of the talented draft picks from the 2025 and 2026 NFL drafts. Out of the 17 selected in those two years by GM Andrew Berry, nine are
expected to start on Sunday versus the Jacksonville Jaguars:
Browns 1st & 2nd-year drafted starters on offense
- RB Quinshon Judkins
- TE Harold Fannin Jr.
- LT Spencer Fano
- RG Austin Barber
- WR KC Concepcion
- WR Denzel Boston
Browns 1st & 2nd-year drafted starters on defense
- DT Mason Graham
- LB Carson Schwesinger
On top of those nine, QB Shedeur Sanders is one snap away from stepping in as Cleveland’s starter, RB Dylan Sampson is the second stringer with an important role, LB Justin Jefferson should have a role on special teams, and S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is expected to see a lot of time as the third safety.
Even three undrafted free agents from last year, LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (listed as a starter at LB) RB Raheim Sanders, and DT Adin Huntington, are also likely to play roles for the Browns this season.
The lone 2025 draft pick not mentioned yet, Dillon Gabriel, is on injured reserve. From this year’s draft, center Parker Brailsford is the backup center, QB Taylen Green is a developmental quarterback, TE Carsen Ryan is third string, and TE Joe Royer is away from the team.
Putting together all the first- and second-year players, Berry and the Browns have put themselves in position to really solidify the future. All the draft capital obtained, along with DE Jared Verse, in the Myles Garrett trade will also help.
When you see all the starters and contributors from the last two Browns drafts, what jumps out to you?
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