2026 NFL Draft Profile: Denzel Boston

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Denzel Boston of the Washington Huskies participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesWith the NFL Draft next week, over the next few days, we’ll be bringing you profiles of every Husky eligible to be drafted. We begin with the Huskies’ WR1, Denzel Boston.The BasicsHeight: 6’3 5/8”Weight: 212 LBSAdvertisementArm Length: 32”Hand Size: 9 3/4ths”Vertical Jump: 35”20 Yard Shuttle: 4.28RecruitmentBoston, out of Puyallup, Washington, was the 17th rated receiving prospect out of the state of Washington in 2019, according to 247 Sports, and the 146th rated receiver nationally. Before committing to Washington, Boston had offers from Arizona, Arizona State, WSU, Nevada, both Oregon schools, and Penn State, among others.College CareerFor the first 2 years of his college career, Boston sat behind the likes of Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan and Ja’Lynn Polk, recording 2 catches for 15 yards in 2022 and 5 catches for 51 yards in 2023. But reports coming out of fall camp suggested that he had future star power.AdvertisementThat star power was finally realized under Coach Fisch’s pro style system, as in 2024, Boston tallied 63 catches for 834 yards and 9 touchdowns. His star power was most realized in man to man coverage, as his 6’3” frame and great hands made him a matchup nightmare.He took a further step in 2025, with 62 catches for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns. His toughness and acceleration were on full display last year, with his best game coming against Illinois, which saw him grab 10 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown, while also throwing a touchdown pass. He closed out his college career with a 6 catch, 126 yard performance in the LA Bowl, which saw him sprint 76 yards untouched to the end zone for his final college touchdown. All told, his college career closed with 132 catches, 1781 yards and 20 touchdowns.StrengthsThe most obvious strength for Boston is his frame. At 6’3” and 213 pounds, he presents a tough cover for any DB especially inside the 20. Couple that with great acceleration, and you have a future WR1. He can also adjust his body and come back to the football about as well as anybody in this class. Additionally, he runs very well with the ball, fighting for the extra yards and putting his head down. It seemed like he ran routes very well and used that route running ability and vertical leap to get open for big gains.AdvertisementSomething that doesn’t get talked about as much is that Boston is actually a willing blocker. He put up a 77.1 Run Block grade according to PFF last year, and that ability to block will prove valuable for any NFL team.WeaknessesBoston was never the fastest guy, preferring instead to box out corners and win with positioning. Against the elite in the Big Ten (Ohio State, Oregon, and Michigan in 2025), his numbers left a little to be desired. Along with not being the fastest guy without the ball, he didn’t make very many people miss with the ball in his hands either, preferring instead to break tackles for extra yardage.NFL Comparisons/Mock DraftBoston currently projects somewhere in the mid to late first round range, anywhere from 11 to 32, according to Mock Draft Database. According to NFL.com, his most apt comparison is Puka Nacua.