The San Francisco 49ers are making strategic moves as they host former Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston for one of their pre-draft visits. Boston, a 22-year-old junior, is catching the eye of the Niners as they look to bolster their wide receiver lineup.
The 49ers recently added Mike Evans to their roster, and they're optimistic about Ricky Pearsall's health. Christian Kirk is expected to start in the slot, but there's always a concern about potential injuries and the need for depth. This is where Boston comes into play, currently ranked 29th on the NFL’s consensus big board.
Standing at nearly 6'4" and weighing 212 pounds, Boston offers a different profile compared to the Niners' recent picks like Pearsall, Jacob Cowing, Jordan Watkins, and Junior Bergen, who rely more on speed. Boston is known for his ability to win contested catches, a skill that sets him apart.
Although he didn't participate in the 40-yard dash or broad jump at the NFL Combine, Boston's vertical and short shuttle results were modest. His strengths lie elsewhere-his hands are reliable, as shown by a mere 1.2 percent drop rate. While he may not be a yards-after-catch dynamo, the addition of Evans hints at a possible shift in the 49ers' offensive strategy.
Last season, Boston caught 95 percent of his catchable targets and thrived in a pro-style offense at Washington. Despite questions about his speed, he had 20 targets of over 20 yards, catching eight of those deep throws. His ability to win contested catches-10 out of 13 situations-is exactly what the 49ers need, especially after struggles in similar scenarios last year.
Boston might not be a speedster, but his competitiveness as a blocker and knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage make him a compelling first-round prospect. The main concern is his ability to handle contact before the catch, which sometimes disrupts his routes and timing.
In this draft class, Boston stands out among the "big body" receivers, offering potential success early in his NFL career. His skills align well with what head coach Kyle Shanahan values, particularly in the run game and at various levels of the field. Boston's presence could be pivotal for the 49ers as they aim to strengthen their offensive arsenal.