The New England Patriots moved on from Stefon Diggs this offseason, and despite signing Romeo Doubs, they could be looking for more help.
Diggs was a 1,000-yard receiver last season, and it will not be easy to replace him. Doubs is very talented, but has never been a true No. 1 in the NFL, and could use more help behind him. ESPN's Field Yates predicted the Patriots would get him that help by selecting wide receiver Denzel Boston in the first round.
The Patriots are reportedly still interested in A.J. Brown. Even if nothing materializes, their interest is at least an indicator of their willingness to add another receiver. Boston is a big target with steady hands and a nose for the end zone.
"The 6-4 Boston would give the team better size than it has in its current corps," wrote Yates on Tuesday. "He is a smooth-moving, versatile wideout who could make splash plays with quarterback Drake Maye. Boston hauled in 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons, dropping only four of his 209 career targets."
20 touchdowns in two seasons is no joke. Boston posted 62 receptions for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein noted that Boston's NFL comparison was Puka Nacua.
"A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness," Zierlein wrote. "Boston gets off the line with good burst and maintains his top speed throughout the route. He could have issues beating press, but releases can also be schemed. He’s very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws. 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."
ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper has Boston ranked as the fifth-best wide receiver in this year's draft.
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