The Philadelphia Eagles haven’t dipped into the first-round wide receiver pool since 2021 - and that move paid off in a big way. DeVonta Smith, the silky-smooth route runner out of Alabama, has become a foundational piece of the offense. That pick helped erase the sting of the previous year’s miss on Jalen Reagor, and now, with the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, the question is back on the table: is it time for Philly to invest in another top-tier pass catcher?
After four straight drafts focused heavily on defense - five picks in a row on that side of the ball - the Eagles could be eyeing a shift. One name that’s starting to gain traction in mock drafts: Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston.
Boston isn’t just another name in a deep receiver class. He’s a big-bodied target who can line up outside or in the slot, with a knack for making tough catches in traffic.
Think of him as a possession receiver with a little extra juice. According to draft analyst Jeff Risdon, Boston brings a “sure-handed” presence and adds a physical element that could complement what Philly already has in Smith and A.J.
Brown.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein sees shades of Rams standout Puka Nacua in Boston’s game. That’s high praise, even if it comes with a caveat.
There are questions about Boston’s top-end speed - he’s not going to burn many corners downfield - but his initial burst, crisp route-running, and ability to win at the catch point make him a compelling prospect. In today’s NFL, where separation and body control matter just as much as raw speed, Boston checks a lot of boxes.
And let’s talk fit. A.J.
Brown’s future in Philadelphia has been a bit of a rollercoaster. While he’s still under contract and remains one of the most physically dominant receivers in the league, there’s been tension.
Whether it’s social media drama or sideline frustration, the Eagles have to think long-term. Even if Brown sticks around for another season - and that’s still the expectation - bringing in a young, talented receiver to learn behind him and Smith is a forward-thinking move.
Boston’s college trajectory is also worth noting. He was quiet his first two seasons at Washington, logging just seven targets across 16 games.
But 2024 was his breakout. In 13 games, he posted 63 catches for 834 yards and nine touchdowns - a clear sign he was starting to put it all together.
And he didn’t slow down this past season, either. In 12 games, he racked up 62 receptions, 881 yards, and 11 touchdowns.
That kind of consistency in the red zone is what NFL teams drool over.
The Eagles, under GM Howie Roseman, have never been shy about their draft philosophy: best player available, not need. That’s how they’ve built one of the league’s deepest rosters. So if Boston is sitting at the top of their board when they’re on the clock at No. 23, don’t be surprised if they pull the trigger - even if wide receiver isn’t the most glaring hole.
Adding a player like Boston would give Philly another weapon in an already loaded offense, and more importantly, a potential future starter who can grow in the shadows of two of the league’s best. With the draft approaching and the Eagles looking to reload rather than rebuild, this could be the kind of move that keeps their offense humming for years to come.