The Browns’ quarterback situation is still the headline at 2026 training camp, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders drawing the biggest spotlight. A decision on the starter hangs over every practice, and neither quarterback is exactly sending a wave of optimism through the building.
But if you’re looking for the most watchable parts of camp, there’s plenty else to keep your eyes on.
Start with the rookie class. Denzel Boston has reportedly been turning heads with contested catches, and at 6-foot-4 he stands out right away among the receivers.
KC Concepcion has brought some burst and wiggle, and his work as a kick returner could become one of the more interesting camp storylines since Cleveland has not had a steady returner in recent years. Then there’s Spencer Fano, who will get a major test when he lines up against Jared Verse - exactly the kind of matchup that can give the Browns a first real read on whether Fano can hold down the left side of the offensive line.
The defensive line is worth watching too, and not just because of the names. Injuries have already made camp a little messy there, with Maliek Collins, Kalia Davis, Mason Graham, Sam Kamara and Mike Hall Jr. all missing time.
Getting that group healthy and through camp intact is going to matter for Week 1. And while there probably shouldn’t be a fan prize for surviving defensive line drills, the idea of winning a chance to be offensive coordinator for the Akron Zips would at least make camp more entertaining.
Todd Monken’s press conferences have also become appointment viewing. He’s loud, he’s raspy, and he clearly isn’t interested in softening what he says.
He added to the intrigue last Saturday when he said Sanders would get the first-team reps, only for Watson to be the one under center instead. This week, the explanations should be just as interesting as the decisions.
Then there are the kickers, who always end up as one of the easiest parts of camp to follow. With so many players on the field, the offense and defense can blur together, but the kickers are usually off by themselves and easy to keep tabs on. There’s also something timeless about watching them drill the ball through the narrowed goal post while fans remind them, “you have one job” after a miss.
Browns camp also has its own version of premium seating, and it’s hard not to notice the “how do I get those seats” clubs. The metal seats can turn brutal in the heat, offering little shade and plenty of discomfort. Meanwhile, the shaded areas with fans, cold drinks and food always draw the obvious question: “how do I get those seats?”.
The players who stick around after practice to sign autographs are another small but worthwhile part of the day. It says something when guys make time for kids’ jerseys and footballs. It’s also pretty funny watching parents try to figure out the name of an end-of-the-roster player by looking up his number on their phone.
And then there are the puppies. The Puppy Pound is part of Browns training camp, and the adoptable dogs are hard to walk past without stopping for a quick ear scratch.
Even the naming possibilities are part of the fun. Barker Brailsford?
The quarterback battle still matters most, but Browns training camp has more than enough going on to make sure it’s not the only thing worth watching.
In Other News...
Browns Still Have One Problem That Could Derail Todd Monken's Plan
Todd Monken arrives with a fresh mandate and a young Browns roster that has enough promise around it to make the next step feel realistic. His message has centered on accountability and execution, a clean football idea that usually sounds best when a team can trust the most important spot on the field. Cleveland has spent the offseason building around its strengths and hoping the new coaching staff can sharpen what already exists.
The problem is that the quarterback picture still hangs over everything else. Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson remain the main options, and neither has locked down the job as camp approaches. The Browns also stood pat on the veteran market this offseason, betting that better weapons and better coaching will be enough to lift the position rather than chasing outside help. If that gamble doesn't pay off quickly, Monken's plan could get tested before it ever really gets rolling. [Read more 🡒]
Todd Monkens Early Browns Impact Could Shape This Messy Camp
Todd Monken arrives in Cleveland with the kind of first-impression that can matter in a camp built around uncertainty. The 60-year-old is taking on his first NFL head coaching job after replacing Kevin Stefanski, and his early profile fits a Browns team that needs some order on offense. Hes known as a disciplinarian with an offensive-minded touch, and he already seems to be connecting well with the rosters younger players while the new-look offensive line gets sorted out.
The larger backdrop, of course, is a camp where the Browns still have plenty to settle on the offensive side, from the quarterback competition to how quickly the line can come together. Even so, the defense gives Monken something more stable to lean on, with an experienced core that has stayed intact through recent extensions for key players. For a coach trying to establish a standard early, that balance of upheaval and continuity could make these first weeks in Berea especially revealing. [Read more 🡒]