Cleveland Browns 2026 training camp position preview: Tight ends
Cleveland Browns 2026 training camp position preview: Tight ends
Cleveland Browns 2026 training camp position preview: Tight endsChris Easterling, Akron Beacon JournalSat, Jul 18, 2026·3 min read
BEREA ― The Browns keep getting closer to their first full-squad training camp practice. That will take place on July 29, one day after their veterans report.
This continues our Browns training camp preview series looking at each of the team's position groups. This preview takes a look at a relatively young position group anchored by one of their 2025 break-out stars, the tight ends.
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Let's dive into the position group that figures to play a big role in coach Todd Monken's offense.
Cleveland Browns quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson take part in a passing drill during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns wide receiver Luke Floriea jumps for a catch during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns cornerback D'Angelo Ross tries to stop wide receiver Isaiah Bond during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns linebacker Quincy Williams celebrates after a play during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Jimmy Haslam, Cleveland Browns owner, watches team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel wears number 8 as he takes part in a drill during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns wide receiver Gage Larvadain runs after a catch during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns tight end Joe Royer runs during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns running back Raheim Sanders tries to evade cornerback Myles Bryant during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken calls out to his players during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson signals before the snap during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders readies a pass Dduring team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman, right, runs after a reception during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins tries to get away from cornerback D'Angelo Ross as defensive end Alex Wright and linebacker Nathaniel Watson look on during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders looks to pass during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson hands off during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns safety Christopher Edmonds tries to knock the ball from ight end Brenden Bates during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken takes notes during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders resides a pass during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson throw a pass during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns safety Christopher Edmonds takes part in a special teams drill during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns Jared Verse (8) runs a drill as teammates defensive end Julian Okwara, Khordae Sydnor, Alex Wright and Adin Huntington look on during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Dawand Jones and center Kingsley Eguakun walk off the field after team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken makes joke about the construction noise as he gets ready to address the media after team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken addresses the media after team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)1 / 25
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson take part in a passing drill during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Luke Floriea jumps for a catch during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns cornerback D'Angelo Ross tries to stop wide receiver Isaiah Bond during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns linebacker Quincy Williams celebrates after a play during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Jimmy Haslam, Cleveland Browns owner, watches team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel wears number 8 as he takes part in a drill during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Gage Larvadain runs after a catch during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns tight end Joe Royer runs during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns running back Raheim Sanders tries to evade cornerback Myles Bryant during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken calls out to his players during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson signals before the snap during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders readies a pass Dduring team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman, right, runs after a reception during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins tries to get away from cornerback D'Angelo Ross as defensive end Alex Wright and linebacker Nathaniel Watson look on during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders looks to pass during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson hands off during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns safety Christopher Edmonds tries to knock the ball from ight end Brenden Bates during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken takes notes during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders resides a pass during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson throw a pass during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns safety Christopher Edmonds takes part in a special teams drill during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns Jared Verse (8) runs a drill as teammates defensive end Julian Okwara, Khordae Sydnor, Alex Wright and Adin Huntington look on during team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Dawand Jones and center Kingsley Eguakun walk off the field after team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken makes joke about the construction noise as he gets ready to address the media after team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken addresses the media after team OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, Ohio on June 2, 2026. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
What TEs are on Cleveland Browns' 90-man roster entering 2026 training camp?
Brendan Bates: 6 games played, 3 starts, 2 catches, 25 yards in 2025
Harold Fannin Jr.: 16 games played, 13 starts, 72 catches, 731 yards, 6 TDs; 7 carries, 13 yards, 1 TD in 2025
Joe Royer: At the University of Cincinnati in 2025
Carsen Ryan: At the Brigham Young University in 2025
Blake Whiteheart: 17 games played, 4 starts, 2 catches, 4 yards in 2025
What is main 2026 training camp storyline for Cleveland Browns TEs?
Fannin was the offensive break-out star of the 2025 season for the Browns. He set a rookie receptions record for the franchise and had the fifth-most receiving yards for any rookie in team history. Fannin dealt with a groin injury that ended his season in Week 17 and prevented him from participating in on-field drills during the offseason program. The ceiling for the Canton native is extremely high, and the Browns need him to continue to climb toward it in his second season. Monken's success with tight ends such as Brock Bowers, Mark Andrew and Isaiah Likely should give reason for optimism for what can happen for Fannin.
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Cleveland Browns TE to keep an eye on during 2026 training camp
The Browns took two tight ends in the draft — Royer in the sixth round and Ryan in the seventh. Royer is the one to focus on here. Originally an Ohio State Buckeye, he returned to his hometown after the death of his mom and played for the Bearcats. That's where he broke out as a receiver, which is where he could find a way onto the field as a rookie. However, the best way onto the field is to continue to grow as an in-line tight end, which is something his position coach at Cincinnati, Joe Stepp, said was a point of emphasis for him during his last year in college. Royer's ability to continue to grow there is directly proportional to the chances he can get on the field.
How do Browns TEs emerge from 2026 training camp?
Fannin is in his own tier, so the focus will be on how the rest of the room ends up being constructed. Bates and Whiteheart are holdovers from previous seasons, and were the one who were working the most with the first offensive group in the offseason with Fannin sidelined. However, Royer and Ryan were both selected with late-round draft picks, and both at least provide intriguing skill sets that could make them useful as rookies. Then there's Stoll, a veteran free-agent signee who's the definition of a blocking tight end.
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Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ. Sign up for Browns Insider newsletter at https://profile.beaconjournal.com/newsletters/browns-insider/