The Washington Huskies have had three receivers taken in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2004 (Rome Odunze, John Ross, and Reggie Williams). Denzel Boston hopes to be the next one to do so. The former Emerald Ridge High School product from South Hill, Washington, had an outstanding career at UW. In four years with the Huskies, Boston had 132 catches, 1,781 yards receiving, and 20 TD receptions. Putting him amongst the top WRs in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

How Boston stacks up against other receiving prospects

Currently, Boston is rated as the fifth-best receiver on PFF’s 2026 NFL Draft Big Board. Behind Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, and Omar Cooper in that order. The reason Boston is not as highly regarded as these other four receivers is because of questions about his speed. NFL scouts are concerned the former Husky star will struggle to break away from defenders and create separation against pro corners.

What makes Boston a possible first-round pick

Despite questions about his speed, Boston’s productivity, hands, and size have NFL scouts and teams interested in the former Husky WR. His size helped him make several key touchdown catches in the red zone this past season. Boston hauled in four of those receptions against rivals Washington State and Oregon in critical moments. His ability to come through in the clutch and reliable hands could help him be selected in the first round of this year’s draft.

Where the former star Husky WR will potentially end up

Boston is ranked as the 31st best prospect in the entire 2026 NFL Draft class. Four teams with late first-round picks have met with him: The Cleveland Browns at 24th, the San Francisco 49ers at 27th, the Houston Texans at 28th, and the Miami Dolphins at 30th. If he is not selected in the first round, the New York Jets at pick 33 and the Las Vegas Raiders at pick 36 in round two have also had meetings with Boston. The Browns, Dolphins, and Raiders make the most sense as landing spots for the former Husky WR. Each of those teams needs a big body receiver like Boston, who can be a threat in the red zone. Expect him to be taken between picks 24 and 36 of this year’s NFL Draft.