The Denver Broncos hit a home run by drafting an offensive skill player in the 2nd round of the 2025 NFL draft with running back RJ Harvey.
Harvey ended up scoring 12 touchdowns as a rookie, along with racking up 1,249 all-purpose yards, and did so while serving as the backup to starter J.K. Dobbins for the 1st 10 games of the regular season before Dobbins suffered a season-ending foot injury.
The Broncos should go back to that same well again in 2026 by drafting a skill player in the second round. Specifically, University of Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston, after Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox called the Broncos the “Best Landing Spot” for the 6-foot-4, 212-pound All-Big Ten pick.
Boston played behind future NFL wide receivers Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, and Ja’Lynn Polk his first 2 seasons before becoming a starter in 2024, and had a breakout season with 62 receptions for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns in 12 games in 2025.
Over his last 2 seasons, Boston had 125 receptions for 1,715 yards and 20 touchdowns.
“Boston would fare well with the Denver Broncos,” Knox wrote. “Sean Payton’s offense looks to lean with the run and maximize quick, high-percentage throws, and Boston would be an excellent go-to target for Bo Nix. He could spend a year developing behind Courtland Sutton, and then potentially take his role in 2027. The Broncos could save $22.4 million in cap space by releasing Sutton with a post-June 1 designation next offseason.”
Lofty Comparison in Pre-Draft Evaluation
There’s a good chance the Broncos wouldn’t have to even use a 2nd round pick on Boston — he could still be available in the 3rd round or even on Day 3.
That’s not to take anything away from Boston’s game, as NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein compared him to another former Washington wide receiver in Puka Nacua, a 2-time NFL All-Pro and 2-time Pro Bowler who led the NFL in receptions in 2025.
Nacua, who finished his career at BYU, was a 5th round pick (No. 177 overall) by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2023 NFL draft.
“(Boston) is a two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations,” Zierlein wrote. “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.”
Broncos Hoping Someone on Roster Steps Up
While Sutton is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, there has been little consistency behind him when it comes to catching the ball — something the Broncos hoped they might get a lift from when they signed tight end Evan Engram to a 2-year, $23 million free agent deal before the 2025 season.
While Engram never really stepped up, there is hope that the Broncos could have a star in the making in either of 2 young wide receivers who flashed their potential in 2025: Troy Franklin (65 receptions, 709 yards, 6 touchdowns) or Pat Bryant (31 receptions, 378 yards, 1 touchdown).
Broncos Called ‘Best Landing Spot’ for 20-TD WR Compared to Puka Nacua