The Cleveland Browns desperately needed a possession receiver, and they got one early in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. While other teams were worried about his lack of high-end speed, the Browns knew how special Denzel Boston could be.
Boston had some huge grabs over the first couple of games of the season, including a pair of touchdowns. He hasn't found the end zone again since Week 2, but he continues to be the Browns' primary threat in the passing game.
More telling, Boston just joined an exclusive club with his performance over the first four weeks. With 284 receiving yards and two scores, he joined the likes of CeeDee Lamb, Ja'Marr Chase, and Malik Nabers as the most recent wide receivers to register those numbers through four career games.
Denzel Boston is already becoming the reliable No. 1 receiver the Browns desperately needed
Browns head coach Todd Monken is using Boston like his new version of Mike Evans. While he may not be as crafty as Nabers or Chase, or as fast as Lamb, he's certainly stronger, sturdier, and much more physical than those players.
All eyes were on KC Concepcion, and rightfully so. The rookie out of Texas A&M is the more versatile weapon, and Monken has found multiple ways to get the rock in his hands. Boston, however, has been the most consistent.
"He’s only going to continue to get better because he’s tough physically and mentally, he’s diligent, he’s got an excellent catch radius and plays strong to the ball," Monken said of Boston. "That’s all you need to know. He’s done an excellent job early on, and he’s only going to continue to get better because that’s his mindset."
Boston has been Deshaun Watson's go-to guy in most of the biggest moments. Watson has looked Boston's way down the field, knowing that he just needs to put the ball in the area and the rookie will make a play.
Boston has a huge chip on his shoulder. He knows he should have been a first-round pick in the 2026 draft. The Browns are running their passing game through him, Concepcion, and Harold Fannin Jr., so this is just the beginning here.
The Browns' passing game is still a work in progress, but Boston's physical traits will continue to make him a perennial mismatch for any defensive back. He's just a load for opponents to handle in man coverage without committing a penalty.
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