Denzel Boston
Getty
University of Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston.
The 2026 NFL Draft is the next date circled on the Atlanta Falcons calendar after the start of free agency. However, the bad news for Atlanta is they’ll have to wait an extra day, seeing as they don’t have a first-round pick this year.
The Falcons sent that pick away to the Los Angeles Rams last year in exchange for their No. 26 overall selection, which they used on Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
They would probably like to have that pick back considering Pearce’s recent legal troubles.
Nevertheless, the question becomes what exactly will the Falcons do with their first pick at No. 48 overall in the second round? Some argue wide receiver, others running back or cornerback.
If it comes down to wide receiver, one of the top prospects in the draft is being urged to avoid landing in Atlanta.
Falcons QB Situation Could Hurt Fit For Top WR Prospect
What truly changed everything for the Falcons this offseason was the signing of former Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa. He now comes in to compete with Michael Penix Jr., who is entering his third season.
As the old saying goes, when you have two quarterbacks, you have none. The two are now on a collision course to see who can land the starting job. And that’s partly why Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes Washington Huskies WR Denzel Boston would be the “worst” fit with the Falcons.
“Boston should hope to avoid the Atlanta Falcons, who are scheduled to be on the clock with their first pick at No. 48. Whether Atlanta goes with Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, Boston would be a poor fit—though Atlanta could use a strong No. 2 opposite Drake London,” Knox wrote.
“Penix is at his best attacking down the field, while Tagovailoa has thrived when quicker receivers can maximize yards after the catch.”
That contrast in styles creates a tricky situation for any incoming wide receiver — especially one like Boston, whose strengths may not fully align with either approach.
Knox instead pointed to the Denver Broncos as a better landing spot for Boston, though that projection came before Denver traded for WR Jaylen Waddle.
Even then, Boston may not be an option for Atlanta anyway. Most mock drafts project him as a first-round pick, often within the top 20.
After four years at Washington, Boston is coming off back-to-back productive seasons, totaling 1,715 receiving yards, including a career-high 881 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025.
Falcons Still Have Clear Need At WR Despite Free Agency Moves
The Falcons were at least able to address their receiver room during free agency.
Replacing Darnell Mooney and KhaDarel Hodge are Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus. But that may not be enough to help either Tagovailoa or Penix, or to give No. 1 wide receiver Drake London a true complementary piece.
That’s where the draft could play a significant role.
However, Atlanta has to approach this year’s draft strategically. Not only do they lack a first-round pick, but they also hold just five total selections.
There’s always a chance general manager Ian Cunningham could find a way to add more draft capital, though that would require some creative maneuvering.
However it plays out, adding a wide receiver should remain firmly on the table for Atlanta — even if Denzel Boston ultimately isn’t the answer.