The Denver Broncos have been quiet in free agency with respect to making outside additions to the squad. One position group fans across Broncos Country hoped the franchise may seek an upgrade at was wide receiver. There is still time for that to happen, but as of now, it doesn’t seem like they are poised to make a big trade to add a top receiver into the mix or sign anyone leftover in an underwhelming free agent pool.
If Denver doesn’t wind up doing such a move, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them
invest in the position long-term via the 2026 NFL Draft. They’ve done that each of the past three years. Could this year mark the fourth in a row they will opt to use a draft pick to upgrade their wide receiver corps? I think it’s a strong possibility.
One of my favorite fits for them in this year’s draft is Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston. A redshirt junior, Boston had a terrific ‘25 campaign with 62 catches for 881 yards, 14.2 yards per reception, 11 touchdowns. A two-year starter for the Huskies, Boston’s overall production numbers may not scream first-round pick However, it’s important to remember how loaded that collegiate program was at wide receiver during his time at Washington.
For my first in-depth scouting report for prospects in this year’s draft, let’s do a deep dive into Boston, his strengths and weaknesses, and why he should be on the Broncos’ radar in the first round.
Player Profile: Denzel Boston — Wide Receiver — Washington
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 212 pounds | Arm Length: 32” | Hand Size: 9-3/4” | Age: 22 Years Old
40-yard dash: N/A (Didn’t run at NFL Combine) | 20-yard split: 4.28 seconds | Vertical: 35” | Broad: 9’-9”
Statistics at Washington: 43 games played, 132 receptions, 1,781 yards, 20 touchdowns.
Film Room & Highlights
Hart’s Scouting Report
Positives:
- Fits the desired size and physicality archetype Sean Payton covets at receiver
- Huge wingspan and catch radius with the ability to dominate on contested catches and 50-5o balls
- Sure-handed target with only 4 drops in his collegiate career on 209 targets
- Prototypical X receiver but also has flexibility to play the slot: 30-percent of his routes ran in ’25 were from the slot, up from 22-percent in ’24
- Premier mismatch in the redzone with a knack for reeling in touchdowns
- Displays adequate toughness and ability as a run blocker
- Performs on special teams and also has value as a returner
- Lauded by his teammates and coaches for his toughness, character, and football intelligence
Negatives:
- Not a premier athlete and doesn’t have top-tier speed or a desirable second gear
- Possesses only an average ability to separate which could cause issues in the pros
- Needs to work on his set of releases in order to help combat physical press coverage in the NFL
- Sports modest numbers with respect to yards after the catch relative to his peers in the ‘26 NFL Draft
- Doesn’t project as a true #1 alpha receiver, but appears to be a high-volume #2 target
Hart’s Projection: Top 25 Selection (Mid-to-Late First Round Pick)
Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Boston
As noted above, there are a lot of positives with Boston and his future NFL potential. Though one of the major reasons I’d advocate for Denver having significant interest in him is having an eye toward revamping the receiving room in the future.
Courtland Sutton has been a quality receiver for the Broncos for many seasons. Even so, there is a realistic possibility this is his last year in the Mile High City. We must consider Sutton’s age and salary cap number in 2027. He will be 31 years old and carries a cap hit of $28.475 million. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprised if Denver opts to find themselves a potential long-term replacement.
Boston profiles best as an outside X receiver, though flashed great playmaking ability as a ‘big slot’ option in the Huskies offense. That type of outside-inside versatility is something teams looking for a mismatch player at receiver will be enamored with. Over the course of my Future Broncos segments, we have covered a lot of prospects. But since Day 1, Boston was a guy who just screamed “That’s a prospect Payton is going to love.”
In my opinion, Boston will likely never be a premier number one receiver. He isn’t on par with Ja’Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson. Nevertheless, he consistently wins in the redzone and performs well in clutch moments. His redzone and touchdown production are incredible and he seems to have the traits and intangibles the Broncos’ coaching staff desire at the position.
Overall, I think Boston is a Top 25 talent. There is a shot he could be on board when Denver is slated to select at #30 overall. If so, he should be on their short list of players to consider. Though I wouldn’t even be against a small move up the board to bring him to Denver. Bo Nix needs more weapons, and the Huskies standout is one of the best in this year’s draft. I’d be very happy if he was the Broncos’ top pick in April.
Editor’s Note: This article was written but not published prior to Denver’s blockbuster trade for Jaylen Waddle. The Broncos no longer have a first round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
