While the 2026 NFL Draft is very deep at the wide receiver position, it is important to look through multiple reports to ensure you are getting the proper information. When it comes to Washington’s Denzel Boston, he is touted as one of the top three prospects at the position, but you are going to get a different perspective in this one, as I firmly disagree with the consensus. Let’s talk about it.
Boston, a former three-star recruit out of Emerald Ridge High School in Puyallup, Washington, earned first-team All South Puget Sound League honors before committing to Washington. He would sit behind Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillian, and Ja’Lynn Polk but waited for his turn. He would total just seven receptions through his first two seasons, but broke out his Junior year with nine touchdowns, then followed up with a 62-reception season, paired with 881 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Denzel Boston is built like your prototypical X-receiver. His massive 6’4 frame and massive wingspan give him an expanded catch radius. He uses his body well to frame off smaller defenders. He’s going to be a major red zone target because of this, where he could thrive early. He’s difficult to bring down, which NFL teams could use him in screens to get him the ball early. Boston is a stout run blocker, which will earn him major love from coaches. There’s grit to his game, which always translates.
However, Boston’s combine performance was brutal. Multiple drops, sloppy routes, the gauntlet was all over the place, and struggled with route directions. Release off the line of scrimmage needs work, as his footwork is choppy and in desperate need of refinement. He is not fast enough to blow by people, so he will have to rely on being physical. Worth noting that against top-level teams like Ohio State and Oregon this season, his production took a massive hit.
Denzel Boston might be getting a tad bit overhyped during this pre-draft process. I do not think his game warrants a top pick in the draft. Boston receives a third-round grade and is closer to being WR9 in this class than being WR3.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Report on Washington WR Denzel Boston