Minicamp Opens With More Questions Than Answers — And That’s the Point
Day 1 of mandatory minicamp is in the books at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus, and I’ll tell you this much, Cleveland: this team looks different. Not finished. Not polished. But different in a way that actually matters. Let’s break down everything that came out of Berea on Tuesday.
The QB Battle: Monken Won’t Name a Starter Before Summer Break
Todd Monken confirmed that he does not plan to name a Week 1 starting quarterback before players begin their summer breaks. That sound you hear is every Browns fan simultaneously sighing and refreshing Twitter.
“They’ve both played well enough to earn the right to compete to start,” Monken said about Sanders and Watson. That’s coach-speak at its finest, but there’s a real nugget buried underneath it.
The competition between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson has heated up. Even though reports indicated that Watson had an inside edge, it feels like Sanders is gaining ground. Monken noted that “Shedeur has really come on.”
Here’s what fans need to understand: Watson is a 10-year veteran. The fact he hasn’t been able to create enough separation to win the job already is a red flag. The longer this competition goes, the more it favors Sanders. The best chance for Watson was to end this quickly, delivering a quick knockout. Since that no longer seems possible, every passing day favors Sanders.
It was reported in May that the Browns “will not” bring Watson back for another season even if Watson wins the 2026 Week 1 starting job over Shedeur Sanders. Think about that. Even if Watson wins, this is a one-year rental. The future is Shedeur’s to lose.
Sanders himself spoke directly to the fanbase over the weekend in a clip that resonated hard: “I understand, I really feel like the Browns fans, they just want something to hope for. They’ve been wanting it so long. So finally, I’m here to change that.” Love the confidence. Now prove it, kid.
The Offensive Line Is (Mostly) Set
This might be the biggest concrete takeaway from Day 1. During the Browns’ first 11-on-11 set, the first offensive line group featured Spencer Fano at left tackle, Zion Johnson at left guard, Elgton Jenkins at center, KT Leveston at right guard and Tytus Howard at right tackle.
Monken told reporters he has “a pretty good idea of four of the five” spots up front, then added: “And then we got to figure out who’s that fifth.” That fifth spot? Right guard.
Monken highlighted how Leveston plays with power and toughness and wanted to see him line up at right guard during practice to evaluate him at the position. But don’t count out rookie Austin Barber — it makes sense that the Browns are taking their time with Barber, who played tackle for the Florida Gators. The breadcrumbs leading to Barber starting his pro career at right guard have been there from the start.
Four of the five OL spots are essentially locked:
- LT: Spencer Fano (rookie, 1st-round pick)
- LG: Zion Johnson
- C: Elgton Jenkins
- RT: Tytus Howard
- RG: Leveston vs. Barber (TBD)
Based on reports from OTAs, Zinter continues to work as a reserve left guard, a spot the Browns have blanketed after adding both Elgton Jenkins and Johnson in free agency. It’s looking like Year 3 could be a make-or-break summer for Zinter.
Jared Verse Hits Team Drills — The Post-Garrett Era Is Real
A week after being acquired by the Browns in a trade, DE Jared Verse participated in his first team drills. He went through individual periods during the final week of OTAs before taking reps in team drills on the first day of minicamp.
In his first two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, Verse was an outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme, typically rushing passers from a two-point stance. In the Browns’ 4-3 defense, Verse will find himself chasing after quarterbacks from a three- and four-point stance as a defensive end. Verse, 25, is already a two-time Pro Bowler and the 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Andrew Berry said the reason the trade came to fruition was the inclusion of Verse. He described Verse as a “perfect DNA match” for their defense. And Verse clearly gets it — he told Browns fans via team social media that he’s ready to “change the season.”
KC Concepcion Officially Signed — Draft Class Complete
Big news off the field Tuesday: the Browns wrapped up their draft class signings, getting first-round wide receiver KC Concepcion under contract. Concepcion, the 24th overall pick in April’s draft, signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $20 million deal.
In 13 games at Texas A&M last season, Concepcion made 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns. He also ran for 75 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries and scored two touchdowns on punt returns.
Concepcion has already drawn praise for his crisp route-running and ability to create separation. His new head coach, Todd Monken, sees similarities between Concepcion’s game and that of Zay Flowers. That’s high praise from a coach who helped develop Flowers into a two-time Pro Bowler in Baltimore.
The Browns came to terms with Spencer Fano, their other first-round pick, and the rest of their draft class far quicker than with Concepcion, indicating there were a few sticking points in his deal. Now, all 10 of the Browns’ 2026 draft picks are under contract.
Other Minicamp Observations Worth Watching
- Quinshon Judkins looks healthy: The second-year running back looks fully recovered from the fractured leg and ankle injury last season, cutting and shifting without a brace.
- Motion, motion, motion: Monken and Switzer started installing motion into their offense on the first day of rookie minicamp, proving that it’s not an extra layer of the offense as it was under the previous regime, it’s part of their identity.
- Receiver battle: The final two spots outside of Jeudy, Bond, Boston, and Concepcion should be completely up for grabs. There was some early OTA buzz around UDFA wideout Aaron Anderson.
- Young roster: It became apparent early in OTAs that the Browns were looking to lean into their current youth movement. While key veteran players like Garrett, Denzel Ward, Grant Delpit, and Malik Collins either remained away from team headquarters or off to the side at practice, Cleveland’s spring workouts have featured mostly first- and second-year players.
The Bottom Line
This Browns team is being rebuilt on the fly, and Monken isn’t going to rush it just because Cleveland is tired of waiting. While it’s unclear exactly when Monken will feel comfortable naming his starter, the competition could run through the Browns’ first two games of the preseason.
The offensive line is taking shape. Verse is already working with the ones on defense. Concepcion is officially locked in. And the QB competition? Monken described a previous practice’s 7-on-7 performance as “embarrassing” due to interceptions. Neither guy has been great. But only one of them has a ceiling that matters beyond 2026.
Minicamp runs through Thursday. I’ll be watching every snap. Stay with us.
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