Denzel Boston #12 of the Washington Huskies is in consideration as a Browns draft pick.
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Denzel Boston #12 of the Washington Huskies is in consideration as a Browns draft pick.
All options are open for the Cleveland Browns heading into the 2026 NFL draft, but if there is a likely scenario emerging for the team–which holds the No. 6 and No. 24 picks in the first round, as well as the No. 39 overall pick in the second round–it would be the addition of an offensive lineman and a receiver with those first opening two picks, and probably another lineman with the third.
It’s all speculation, of course, as GM Andrew Berry could pull any number of surprises, and his decisions will feed off what happens in the slots before the Browns pick. Would he pass on running back Jeremiyah Love if he is on the board at No. 6? How about Caleb Downs? What if the draft’s perceived QB2, Ty Simpson, is still around at No. 24?
Barring surprises, the Browns need wide receivers in this draft probably more than anything, and several names have cropped up: Carnell Tate of Ohio State at No. 6, Jordyn Tyson or Makai Lemon at No. 24. But a guy who impressed at his pro day this week should be thrown into the mix, too: Denzel Boston of Washington.
Browns Would Have Denzel Boston ‘In the Discussion at 24’
A post from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler was retweeted by Browns beat writer Zac Jackson: “A lot of positive feedback from scouts on WR Denzel Boston’s pro day yesterday. Looked really good with his route work and catching the ball. 6.80 3-cone, 4.30 shuttle, 37 1/2 vert at 210 lbs will play just fine.”
Jackson added, “Have to think he’s in the discussion at 24.”
The downside with Boston is speed. He is 6-foot-4 and his ability to fight for contested balls is a strength, but he did not run the 40-yard dash at the combine in Indianapolis or at his pro day, which naturally leads to speculation that his time is not very impressive.
Given his size, he did not need to run a 4.3 40 to impress. But the fact that he did not run at all is a big question, and will certainly be something teams consider in the coming weeks. It’s not out of the question that Boston falls to No. 39, though that would be a stroke of luck the Browns can’t count on.
Puka Nacua Comparison Noteworthy
Still, a comparison at the scouting pages over at NFL.com could be worth noting for the Browns or anyone willing to overlook Boston because of speed concerns: Rams star Puka Nacua.
Boston caught 125 passes in 25 games over the past two season, for 1,715 yards. More important for NFL evaluators looking at where he contributes most at the next level were the 20 touchdowns he logged.
Writes scout Lance Zeirlein, “Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations. A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness. Boston gets off the line with good burst and maintains his top speed throughout the route. …
“Boston also knows how to win in the red zone. Acclimating to NFL competition could take a year, but Boston has the makeup to become a productive possession target with above-average red-zone value.”