Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko predicted before the 2025 season that the Aggies would see as high as 12 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, and on the first night of the draft, Elko’s premonition was off to a great start after former transfer wide receiver KC Concepcion was selected 24th overall by the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night, which was widely expected.
Even before Concepcion committed to play for the Aggies last season, his two years at NC State showed a player with elite burst, agility, and versatility, able to play multiple wide receiver spots but thriving in the slot once the ball is in his hands.
Alongside current junior star wide receiver Mario Craver, Concepcion hauled in 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns, which led the team, while also showcasing his ability as a punt returner for 456 yards and two touchdowns.
While the Carolina Panthers could have selected Concepcion earlier, the Browns are getting a likely Pro Bowl player with high potential to earn Rookie of the Year honors, according to one analyst, as former NFL All-Pro and current College GameDay co-host Desmond Howard believes the former Aggie star will win Rookie of the Year after his first season with the Browns.
Still, Cleveland’s quarterback situation is up in the air, as second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders and veteran Deshaun Watson will battle for the starting job, and if the offensive line holds up, especially with new OL Spencer Fano, Concepcion has a chance to put up similar numbers if new Cleveland OC Travis Switzer uses him correctly.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: CFB analyst predicts Rookie of the Year honors for former Texas A&M WR
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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