The Browns’ 53-man roster is loaded with rookies, and Cleveland is set to open the 2026 regular season with 10 first-year players on the active roster. Three of them are projected Week 1 starters, and nine came from last April’s draft. The only exception is a rookie claimed off waivers from another team.
For now, the Browns are carrying those 10 rookies on the active roster while their practice squad remains a possible source of help later in the season. Here’s where each of them fits.
Mason Graham is expected to be a key part of the defense right away. Cleveland’s top defensive draftee will see plenty of work in three-safety looks, likely lining up in the box alongside Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman.
The biggest surprise among the rookie group may be Luke Barber. Even though he was drafted as a right tackle prospect, the Browns are still weighing him as a possible starter at right guard over veteran Teven Jenkins. At 6’7’’, he stands out for more than just his position.
The Browns are also counting on Jordan Concepción to bring a versatile offensive element. He was named the 2026 Maurice Bassett Award winner as the team’s most outstanding rookie in training camp, and he’s expected to fill a Zay Flowers-like role in Todd Monken’s offense by moving around the formation.
Another rookie set to make an immediate offensive impact is Isaiah Boston. Cleveland’s new X receiver pushed Jerry Jeudy off the line of scrimmage and sent the veteran to the Y spot, with Boston expected to provide the downfield threat in the passing game.
On the offensive line, Luke Brailsford won’t start the season in the first five, but he did get a shot at the center job. He’ll open the year as a backup to Elgton Jenkins, though Jenkins’ flexibility could create an opening if injuries force a shuffle.
At linebacker, Dylan Jefferson is going to have to earn his snaps in a room that isn’t exactly deep. He should see some defensive action eventually, but special teams will be his main focus once the regular season gets going.
At quarterback, the Browns chose to keep Dez Green rather than risk losing him on waivers. That decision came after sending Dillon Gabriel to injured reserve with a designation to return. Monken has said Green will split scout-team reps with Shedeur Sanders.
Tight end Harold Ryan also made the final cut under unusual circumstances. With the personal issues involving Joe Royer and Jack Stoll’s injury and release, Ryan earned a spot behind Harold Fannin Jr. and Blake Whiteheart. Cleveland expects him to contribute on offense and special teams from the start.
One of the late additions to the roster is Ty Pride, who the Browns claimed off waivers from the Bills after Buffalo selected him in the seventh round. He gives Cleveland extra depth in the secondary after the team waived Michael Coats Jr., the only Browns UDFA who initially made the roster.
There are still 10 rookies in all on the Browns’ active roster, and several of them are positioned to matter right away.
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Browns May Have Fixed The One Problem Holding Back Their Offense
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