University of Washington Huskies playmaker Denzel Boston is a top choice for NFL teams seeking a big, physical X-receiver in the 2026 Draft.
With elite size for a wide receiver standing at 6-foot-4, 209 pounds, Boston is a great route runner who poses as an intimidating red zone threat, especially against smaller defenders. Coming off a season in which he hauled in 62 receptions for 88 yards and 11 touchdowns, Boston projects as a late first-round pick due to his ability to make tough catches and his physicality in traffic.
Although he doesn’t have top end speed, Boston uses his size to create openings and his height to go up and get contested catches. The question surrounding the Washington Huskies receiver is can he be a team’s top receiver at the NFL level.
It will likely depend on the team drafting him and the quarterback who will be delivering him the ball.
Denzel Boston is a big, physical receiver with extreme route running ability
When it comes to wide receivers in this draft, Denzel Boston is probably the best prospect when it comes to the combination of route running, physicality and size in this draft. Ranked as the No. 24 prospect by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr, Boston is a receiver with reliable hands and the type of playmaker who finds openings in coverage with his route running and ability to shed defenders.
Kiper Jr writes:
“Boston has developed into a nuanced route runner who uses his size and physicality to shield defenders from the football. His length and catch radius make life miserable for opposing cornerbacks. And the way Boston quickly finds openings in coverage jumps out on tape, helping him to 14.2 yards per catch on the season. He has Velcro-esque hands, allowing him to go high or low to haul in difficult receptions.”
Also Read: Top landing spots for Miami Hurricanes OT Francis Mauigoa in the 2026 NFL Draft
Is Boston a receiver who can be a WR1 in the NFL? That will be the biggest question amongst draft evaluators and teams looking for top-level wide receivers later in the first round. At the least, he is a WR2 who would be a big-time red zone threat for any team who selects him.
As a projected top 25 pick, here are 3 NFL fits for Denzel Boston in the 2026 NFL Draft.
3 NFL teams in position to land Denzel Boston
New York York Jets
The New York Jets will be looking for another receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson at some point in this draft. If they don’t add a playmaker like Carnell Tate or Makai Lemon with their top first round pick, Denzel Boston may be an option when they select at No. 16. While the Jets’ QB situation is a big question mark at this point, adding a big, dynamic X-receiver like Boston would be ideal for whoever is behind center for the Jets. At 16, Boston could be a reach, but with two second round picks as well, the Jets could have an opportunity to land the Huskies receiver early on Day 2.
Other first round options for the Jets (at No. 16): Ty Simpson (QB), Arvell Reese (LB), Jermond McCoy (CB)
Buffalo Bills
NFL Mocks’ contributor John Blair has highlighted Boston as a fit for the Buffalo Bills as a late first round option. Following the ridicule of the team for selection Keon Coleman in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Bills will be looking for a weapon to add to Josh Allen’s arsenal. A big, physical receiver like Boston fits the mold. A reason Blair likes Boston for the Bills is that he would complement Khalil Shakir and he’s a receiver who “thrives in traffic, catching 10 of 13 targets in tight coverage” in the 2025 college football season. With Allen’s ability to extend plays, a receiver like Boston could strive along the boundaries and as a red zone target.
Other first round options for the Bills: C.J. Allen (LB), K.C. Concepcion (WR), Ahkeem Mesidor (EDGE)
Philadelphia Eagles
If the Eagles do move on from A.J. Brown, they will be looking for another physical receiver via the draft. Boston would give them that physical receiver and could complement the speed of DeVonta Smith. The Eagles will need to do more to make their offense interesting and explosive again but adding a receiver like Boston late in the first round will be a nice start to surrounding Jalen Hurts with more options in the offense.
Other first round options for the Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq (TE), Elijah Sarratt (WR), Colton Hood (CB)