WR KC Concepcion's best friend on the Browns is fellow rookie WR Denzel Boston. The two first met at the NFL Combine and later had a top 30 visit together before being selected by the Browns.
Shortly after being drafted, Concepcion called Boston and the two talked about their mindsets. From the jump, Concepcion was clear he was excited and eager to get to work, and Boston mirrored the sentiment. The two also made an agreement during the call to hold each other accountable, which has continued throughout training camp and the preseason. The two continue to root for each other's success as the start of the regular season inches closer.
"I want to see him out there catching passes, getting yards (and) catching touchdowns, and I know that he wants the same for me," Concepcion said.
Heading into his first season in the NFL, Concepcion has not only leaned on Boston for accountability, but he has also utilized other teammates and coaches to help prepare and maintain confidence. Concepcion earned his way into the Browns' first-team wide receiver rotation with his standout play, spearheaded by his confident play style.
"When you meet him, he doesn't blink," head coach Todd Monken said on Aug. 20 following the Browns' joint practice with the Bills. "He just loves playing football. You can see it. That's why he's a first-round pick."
The Browns' wide receiver room has played a key role in helping Concepcion ahead of Week 1. The position group welcomed him and fostered a supportive environment from the beginning of the offseason.
Specifically, WR Jerry Jeudy has been a veteran presence in the position room for Concepcion, showing the rookie wide receiver how to diligently prepare in the NFL.
"Everybody wants to see each other win," Concepcion said. "And having a vet like Jerry Jeudy, who has gone through head coaching changes (and) offensive coordinator changes, he probably knows more than anybody else about study habits and different ways to study."
Outside of the wide receiver room, Concepcion and Deshaun Watson have worked together to establish critical chemistry before the start of the season. During the first preseason game, Watson connected with Concepcion on a back shoulder throw for an 11-yard gain on the Browns' touchdown drive.
Concepcion talked about the continuous conversations he has had with Watson as the two build a rapport together.
"We have always had those talks and discussions about things that he may see or things that I may see," Concepcion said. "So, I'm just ready to get out there (and) play my first actual game with him."
Teammates aren't the only ones who have worked closely with Concepcion. Wide receivers coach Christian Jones has also been a point of reference for Concepcion. Whenever Concepcion has a question, he can text Jones. The two went over plays together in the morning during training camp and Jones praised Concepcion's ability to reach out when he doesn't understand a concept.
"He's a very communicative player," Jones said early on in training camp. "He has no problem telling you when he doesn't understand something or when he's trying to get something. It's the best thing when somebody's open and honest. It makes my job a lot easier."
As his teammates and coaches have helped him, Concepcion has continued to maintain conviction in his own game. That innate confidence, combined with the support from teammates and coaches, has helped Concepcion ahead of his rookie season.
"I would say that the confidence part leading into Week 1 will most definitely show," Concepcion said.
Browse photos of the Cleveland Browns practicing at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus as they prepare for their Week 1 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Fullback Michael Burton (34) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (29) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Kole Wilson (87) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Head Coach Todd Monken during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Zion Washington (30) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive guard Zion Johnson (77) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive end Derek Barnett (97) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive end Tyreak Sapp (64) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Tytus Howard (71) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Daniel Thomas (24) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive Coordinator Mike Rutenberg during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Fullback Michael Burton (34) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (29) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (11) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Run Game Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach Jeff Blasko during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive end Derek Barnett (97) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Carsen Ryan (48) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (29) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Zion Washington (30) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Pass Game Coordinator Ephraim Banda during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Head Coach Todd Monken during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive Analyst Travis Monken during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Cornerback D'Angelo Ross (38) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (28) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Chief of Staff John Carr during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Tytus Howard (71) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during practice on August 31, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
