Wide receiver Chris Olave is expected to be signed to a lucrative contract extension by the New Orleans Saints this offseason. Outside of Olave, however, this receiving corps is in need of more playmakers. Devaughn Vele showed potential before finishing last year on injured reserve. The Saints also traded for former second round draft choice Ja’Lynn Polk, despite knowing he’d be out for the entire 2025 season. While upside exists with each player, New Orleans is expected to draft another wideout to work in the offense with quarterback Tyler Shough after his terrific rookie season.

A teammate of Polk’s with the Washington Huskies, wide receiver Denzel Boston, might be one of their targets. Boston is among a handful of receivers expected to come off the board between round one or early into Day 2 of the draft. Here’s a closer look at why teams will be interested.

Advertisement

Denzel Boston bio

College: Washington Huskies

20-yard shuttle: 4.28 seconds

A star at Emerald Ridge High School in Washington state, Boston stayed in-state with his collegiate choice of the Huskies. He would redshirt in 2022, playing in just four games and making 2 catches for 15 yards. Stuck behind talented future NFL draft picks Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, and Polk at receiver, Boston didn’t see many chances in 2023 either for the national runner-ups. He’d have 5 catches that season for 51 yards in 14 game appearances. With that trio gone in 2024, Boston took full advantage of his opportunity with 63 receptions for 834 yards and a team-best 9 touchdowns. Last season, playing with his third quarterback in as many years, Boston pulled in 62 passes for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns to lead the Huskies in all three categories. Those numbers led to 3rd Team All-Big Ten honors.

Strengths

Elite ball skills — wins most contested throws

Uses size expertly to shield defenders from the pass

Great hand strength to secure the reception

Extends well for throws outside of his natural reach

Accelerates well into routes and maintains speed through his breaks

Excellent ball-tracking abilities and adjusts well to off-target throws

Legitimate red-zone threat

Underrated after the catch

Weaknesses

Lacks extra gear to gain separation

Must show that he can be a more consistent possession receiver in big moments

Could have trouble against physical press coverage

Struggled to produce against top competition

Advertisement

Denzel Boston 2026 draft outlook

Some have Boston sneaking late into the first round, with most expecting he’ll be off the board before the end of the second. His production against the top foes is a concern. Boston averaged only 40 receiving yards in six games against Oregon, Penn State, Michigan, and Ohio State over his last two seasons. Otherwise, he possesses all the physical attributes and contested ball skills valued by NFL offenses.

Denzel Boston won’t be considered by the Saints in the first round at eighth overall. If Boston is still there when New Orleans is on the clock at in the second round at 42nd overall, he may be the choice. It feels like Boston has only skimmed the surface of his talents. He can quickly become a trusted target for a quarterback because of his abilities to make plays in traffic, also giving him the long-term upside of a featured receiver for an offense.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Saints prospect Denzel Boston, Washington WR