The Los Angeles Rams have been linked to yet another wide receiver option ahead of the 2026 draft, with former Washington Huskies star Denzel Boston the latest to land on the team’s rumored pre-draft radar.
Boston would certainly bring a different dynamic to the Rams’ offense.
The Rams could face a telling decision between Boston and their other potential options when the time comes.
Rams Get Dose of Reality Over Denzel Boston
GettyDenzel Boston of the Washington Huskies participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
The Ringer’s Todd McShay said that “some teams think the Rams are [Makai] Lemon. Some teams think the Rams are Denzel Boston” in the draft on “The McShay Show” podcast on April 13, sparking intrigue over the possibility.
Lemon, a Los Alamitos native and former USC Trojan, has also drawn interest from the Rams with the 13th overall pick.
Boston’s outlook is less certain, though.
“Boston isn’t a consensus first-round pick, which makes it fascinating that teams think the Rams could draft him. There’s no chance he’ll be available for them at No. 61 in the second round, but might he be a trade-back option for Los Angeles?” The Rams Wire’s Cameron DaSilva wrote in reaction to McShay’s intel on April 14.
“Most experts have Carnell Tate, Lemon and Jordyn Tyson as the top three receivers, but after that, it’s fairly open. Boston could be WR4, as could KC Concepcion or Omar Cooper Jr. Even Chris Bell is someone who could go earlier than expected.”
Boston was a four-year contributor at Washington, working as a starter over his final two seasons. He had back-to-back years with 60-plus receptions and over 800 yards in that span.
DaSilva noted that it is a matter of preference regarding playing style.
“Do they want a slot receiver who’s elusive with the ball like Lemon? Do they want more of an X-receiver in Tyson? Boston is big and physical like Puka Nacua, so maybe that’s the type of receiver they’re eyeing.”
Denzel Boston Lands on ‘Steals’ List
GettyDenzel Boston #12 of the Washington Huskies reacts after a catch against the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Boston’s physical profile and skill set would help the Rams, and it has created a sense of intrigue ahead of the draft. Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano listed Boston among eight potential draft “steals.”
Manzano cited Boston’s “reliable hands and massive catch radius,” wondering if he could produce similarly to Carolina Panthers 2025 first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan.
McMillan won Offensive Rookie of the Year.
“Boston has gotten overlooked by the prominent draft pundits. He isn’t talked about as much as Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon or Jordyn Tyson. And on some draft rankings, Boston is behind KC Concepcion and Omar Cooper Jr. because he’s not as fast as those prospects,” Manzano wrote in an article on April 14.
“However, speed might be easier to find than a player capable of coming down with most 50-50 balls on the perimeter. He would be an absolute steal if he’s the sixth receiver taken in this draft.”
That is exactly where Boston falls on many draft evaluators’ boards as the draft, which begins on April 23, approaches.
Denzel Boston Draws Intriguing Comparison
GettyDenzel Boston #12 of the Washington Huskies celebrates a catch against the Michigan Wolverines.
Boston finished his Huskies tenure with a 132-1,781-20 line. The 6-foot-3-plus Boston would be the tallest receiver on the Rams’ roster. The group, which is led by Nacua (6-foot-2) and Davante Adams (6-foot-1), currently tops out at 6-foot-3 (Tru Edwards).
“Boston builds his speed with smooth, long strides and naturally adjusts with the hand strength of a ball winner, which should quickly earn him the trust of an NFL quarterback,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote in his “The Beast” draft guide, ranking him WR6. “With his ability to win inside or outside, his game has shades of 2025 Houston Texans draft pick Jayden Higgins.”
Higgins posted a 41-525-6 line for the Texans as a rookie.
Xavier Smith was the Rams’ third wide receiver last season by production. He had 18 receptions for 303 yards on the season.
The Rams also leaned heavily on multi-tight-end looks, which limits the number of receivers on the field at any given time. The Rams’ roster is strong, and any incoming prospect would begin as a backup on the depth chart.
Still, the Rams’ drafting Boston could make more sense in a trade down rather than at 13.
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