When the Cleveland Browns addressed wide receiver in April's draft, they appeared to have landed two game changers for their passing attack in KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. Fittingly, both of those players have slotted in very well and have had an immediate impact for Cleveland, and they've gotten their share of praise for how they've made a difference.
Concepcion has been dynamic as a route runner and has been outstanding after the catch, and Boston has proven to be a hit early on by Cleveland, too, as he's complemented Concepcion and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. perfectly. In Boston's case, he was drafted 39th overall, and his skill set has given the Browns some much-needed pop outside the numbers.
Cleveland's leading receiver entering Week 10, Boston was projected to be the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year by Jake Beckman of FanSided in his midseason predictions for NFL honors. Beckman highlighted the Tennessee Titans' Carnell Tate as being a contender, but he had Boston as the leader in the clubhouse at this stage.
"This is still gross because the offensive rookies that have really been standing out aren't on great offenses. So when I'm looking for a potential Offensive Rookie of the Year, I'm looking at guys who help their offenses function. Right now, that's Denzel Boston, the Browns' second-round wide receiver.
"Not only is he the leading receiver on the Browns, but he's also leading all rookies in receiving yards. I still think there's a chance that Carnell Tate can grow, be a dominant piece in the Titans' offense, and win the OROY ... But for the time being it's Boston, and it's hard to argue against that."
Denzel Boston is turning his Browns breakout into a legitimate OROY case
To Beckman's point, Boston is not on an especially potent offensive unit with Cleveland. The Browns are 26th in EPA per play, according to SumerSports, and 24th in total offense.
However, those offensive deficiencies shouldn't be a blemish on Boston's production.
Through nine games, Boston has hauled in 32 catches for 507 yards. As Beckman emphasized, he has been the top receiver on Cleveland and has been No. 1 among rookies in receiving yards as well.
Boston has been outstanding for Cleveland and should keep getting better with his route running as he gains more experience. Just over the halfway point in the season, Boston has averaged a robust 15.8 yards per catch, and has had two 60-yard plays. The more recent of those plays came on Sunday in Cleveland's overtime loss at the New Orleans Saints.
Now, Boston still has at least eight games to go in his rookie campaign. First-year players are always at risk of hitting "the rookie wall."
But at this juncture, Boston has been dependable for Cleveland and has already had his share of big moments. If he can stay healthy — Boston missed his second straight practice on Thursday with a toe issue — Boston should only continue to improve as he sharpens up his skill set and gains more experience.
Tate or even Concepcion could have something to say about it at season's end, but Boston being the Offensive Rookie of the Year wouldn't be shocking given his current production. Either way, it's evident the Browns have a keeper here in Boston, as Cleveland's young pass-catching talent continues to impress.
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