The expectation heading into the second round of this year’s NFL draft was that the Cleveland Browns would turn to defense after using both of their first-round picks to fill gaping holes at wide receiver (KC Concepcion) and left tackle (Spencer Fano). Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren was a prime suspect, and it turned out, he was available when the Browns’ pick arrived at No. 39. Ah, but so was Washington receiver Denzel Boston.
And in the end, the Browns had weighed taking Boston in the first round at No. 24, so chose not to pass up on him when he came back around at No. 39. That gives the Browns now two first-round-caliber receivers they’ve managed to bring in with the first 39 picks.
With that selection, the Browns have now seriously bolstered their wide-receiver crew, and all but extinguished the notion that they could trade for a veteran or sign a free agent after the draft to bulk up the room. There had been talk about trading for Brandon Aiyuk of the 49ers or signing another 49ers receiver, Jauan Jennings, but we can all but cancel those plans with the Boston pick.
Browns Bolstering Receiver Corps Through NFL Draft
Of course, there’s no telling just how Concepcion or Boston will work out once they get on board with the Browns, and the team’s unstable quarterback situation is likely to hinder them early in their tenures. But give credit to the Browns for doing what they can to bolster all sections of the offense in an attempt to at least give their 2026 quarterback–whether Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson–enough protection on the line and weapons at receiver to maximize their abilities.
The Browns receiver room was the worst in the NFL last season, totaling just 117 catches as a group, a number that was surpassed by three individual receivers on their own.
But now, Boston and Concepcion join a group that hopes to see a bounce-back from Jerry Jeudy, a healthy year from Cedric Tillman and perhaps a step forward from Isaiah Bond. Everything looks nifty in April, and that’s the case with the Browns receiving corps.
Denzel Boston Gets Puka Nacua Comp
As for Boston, he figures to fit nicely with the Browns, a 6-foot-4 guy who can make downfield plays (there is a comparison to Puka Nacua) but also is a reliable, strong-handed option for what figures to be a conservative passing game.
From the NFL.com scouting report on Boston: “Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations. A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness.
“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.”
Browns Make Clear Decision With 2nd-Round Playmaker Pick