The Cleveland Browns are excited about the 2026 draft class that GM Andrew Berry put together, and that should come with all the asterisks and caveats one would expect. It’s only May, for example. Everyone loves their draft class right after they draft it, as another example. The Browns are not much different than the rest of the league in that regard, except that there is a bit more acknowledgement coming from outside observers hailing this group’s potential.
While the additions of first-round left tackle Spencer Fano and wide receiver KC Concepcion are the headlines, the Browns also drew praise for what they accomplished in the second round, taking Washington receiver Denzel Boston and Toledo safety Eugene McNeil-Warren. Concepcion and Boston were the No. 4 and 6 wide receivers in The Athletic draft guru Dane Brugler’s rankings, in what was a deep class at the position.
Some had Boston pegged as a first-rounder, so even though he won’t have the pressure of being picked there, he arguably has the talent. In fact, if things break right, he could wind up being the top offensive rookie in the NFL.
Browns Sporting a Rookie of the Year Candidate
That’s the view from Bleacher Reporter’s Brent Sobleski, who pointed to Boston as the No. 1 candidate in an article titled, “2026 NFL Draft Sleeper Picks Who Could be Rookie of the Year Candidates.” Certainly, the Browns’ quarterback situation makes that a possibility, he writes.
From the article: “Since Cleveland’s quarterback situation remains undecided, though Shedeur Sanders is the likely front-runner, a true X-receiver with a big catch radius can quickly develop into a security blanket for whomever lines up behind center. The 6’4″, 212-pound outside receiver will immediately be a red-zone and third-down threat. The combination of Concepcion and Jerry Jeudy will open up the field as well and make life easier on Boston, as the more physical option. …
“Boston is talented enough to help move the chains, body off defensive backs for some big plays and possibly put up big numbers on key downs and certain areas of the field. In fact, the Washington product was the highest-graded draft-eligible wide receiver versus man-coverage last season, per Pro Football Focus.”
Denzel Boston a Strong 50/50 Ball Receiver
Boston’s size and reliability were two of his main strengths coming into the draft, and though he might not be dynamic downfield–his NFL scouting report suggests he lacks a “second gear”–he figures to be a first-look target when Sanders, or perhaps Deshaun Watson, finds trouble. He prides himself on winning “50/50” balls, and with both Jeudy and Concepcion having some dropped-ball history, the Browns do not have anyone quite like Boston.
As he told reporters after the Browns picked him: “For me, it’s always about making sure that I’m doing whatever I can to make sure I’m refining that skill. So, whether that’s putting the bag down, putting the football on top and trying to box that out and grab the ball off of it, all types of things like that.
“And also, it kind of takes repetition with your quarterback, him understanding I’m gonna put the ball here when the DB’s playing you this way. So, a mix of both of those things allow me to make those great contested catches.”
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