Cleveland rookie KC Concepcion is drawing comparisons to Ravens star Zay Flowers. The Browns drafted Concepcion as the 24th pick overall.

Now, ESPN analyst Ben Solak believes that Browns coach Todd Monken aims to utilize Concepcion's explosive tackle-breaking ability in the slot. The strategy mirrors the offensive blueprint Monken established in Baltimore.

“Here’s our potential WR1. Concepcion has high volume potential as a slot receiver and high explosive potential as a serious YAC athlete with tackle-breaking ability,” Solak wrote. He also named Concepcion a Rookie of the Year contender.

He added, “Browns coach Todd Monken figures to use Concepcion much as he used Zay Flowers in Baltimore, so Concepcion could see rushing production accordingly.” 

The Baltimore Ravens drafted Flowers as the 22nd overall pick in 2023, and he signed a fully guaranteed four-year $14 million rookie contract. The 25-year-old wide receiver started with 858 passing yards in 2023 and improved to 1,211 receiving yards in the last season. 

He has been consistent in his performances, with 5, 4, and 5 receiving touchdowns, respectively, in three seasons. Monken was so impressed with Flowers’ performance that he wanted to give him more time on the field.

“We've just got to get him the ball more,” Monken told via Baltimoreravens.com in June 2025. “He’s not only an outside receiver that has elite route-running skills, but he’s unbelievable with the ball in his hands. So you have, like, a guy that fits two positions, really plays two spots."

While Solak's praise is high, Concepcion must now meet the high standard Flowers established in his debut season. In the 2023 season, Flowers was the fifth-best wide receiver, as per Statmuse. But Concepcion's collegiate production suggests he is ready for a similar professional workload.

KC Concepcion’s Former Coach’s Stance

Holmon Wiggins, Concepcion’s former offensive coordinator/WR coach at Texas A&M, has shared his hopeful stance on Concepcion’s growth with the Browns. 

“I know Todd did a lot of that with [Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl wide receiver] Zay [Flowers]. … I think, shoot, the world's going to be his oyster,” Wiggins said in a conversation with the Akron Beacon Journal. 

In his three years on the collegiate level, Concepcion made 185 receptions for 2,218 yards and scored 25 receiving touchdowns. He also amassed 3 TDs and 431 rushing yards from 70 carries.

“I'm pretty sure Coach Monken is going to get somewhat creative to be able to create some opportunities for him to play against those nickels or safeties in the league,” Wiggins said.

Concepcion, who will wear the No. 17 jersey this year, has some high hopes to fulfill. As the Browns’ WR room is adapting to Monken’s strategies, all eyes will be on Concepcion. 

How well do you think he will fare? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Rudra Dubey