The Buffalo Bills are heading into a pivotal offseason, and the mission is clear: build a roster that can finally break through and deliver a Super Bowl appearance in the Josh Allen era. That means tough decisions for general manager Brandon Beane, especially when it comes to surrounding Allen with the kind of playmakers who can elevate this offense to championship-caliber.

While there’s always buzz about a potential splashy trade, the more likely scenario is that the Bills look to the NFL Draft to find that missing piece. And if they choose to target a pass-catcher in the first round, one name stands out as a tailor-made fit for Allen’s rocket arm: Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston.

Denzel Boston Scouting Report: A Big-Play Target Built for Buffalo

Vitals:

• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 210 lbs
• Projected 40-Time: 4.50-4.55

Boston isn’t the flashiest name in the draft, but his profile is exactly what the Bills have been lacking on the outside. He’s a long, physical receiver with a knack for making tough grabs in traffic and stretching the field vertically. Simply put, he’s the kind of big-bodied target who thrives when the ball is in the air-and Josh Allen isn’t shy about giving his guys a chance to go up and get it.

What Boston Brings to the Table

Let’s start with the obvious: size. At 6’4” with long arms and a wide catch radius, Boston gives Allen something he hasn’t had consistently-an outside receiver who can win above the rim. He’s a natural at using his frame to shield defenders and snatch contested catches, especially in the red zone, where his ability to box out and high-point the ball makes him a serious mismatch.

Despite a projected 40 time in the mid-4.5s, Boston plays faster than he tests. He accelerates smoothly off the line and doesn’t waste movement in his routes. He’s particularly effective on deep balls, where he shows excellent tracking ability and adjusts well to back-shoulder throws-something that pairs perfectly with Allen’s deep-ball prowess.

Boston also brings a physical edge to his game. He doesn’t shy away from contact, fights through arm tackles, and plays with a bit of that “angry runner” mentality after the catch.

While he’s not a classic YAC (yards after catch) threat, he’s more than willing to lower his shoulder and pick up tough yards. And his commitment to blocking-especially in the run game-makes him a complete asset in a Buffalo offense that leans heavily on play-action and ground control.

Areas for Growth

Boston isn’t without his limitations. His release off the line can be inconsistent, and that’s something NFL press corners will look to exploit early. He can create separation initially, but he doesn’t always maintain it through the route, largely due to a lack of suddenness in his breaks.

He’s also not going to blow past defenders with pure speed, which limits his ability to take the top off a defense in the way a true burner might. And while he’s tough after the catch, he’s not particularly elusive or explosive in short-yardage situations-meaning he’s not the ideal target for quick screens or underneath routes designed to generate YAC.

But here’s the thing: the Bills don’t need him to be that guy. They’ve already got short-area weapons who can do damage with the ball in their hands.

What they need is someone who can win vertically, make contested grabs, and be a reliable red zone threat. That’s Boston’s game.

NFL Comparison: Michael Pittman Jr.

There’s a lot of Pittman in Boston’s game. Both are big, physical receivers who excel at making tough catches at every level of the field.

Like Pittman, Boston isn’t a burner, and he’ll have to work to get off the line against press coverage. But Pittman has carved out a highly productive career despite those limitations-posting multiple 1,000-yard seasons and even hauling in 109 catches in 2023, all while playing with a revolving door of quarterbacks.

Now imagine that kind of receiver paired with a quarterback like Allen-who can extend plays, throw into tight windows, and isn’t afraid to take shots downfield. That’s the kind of upside we’re talking about.

Fit with the Bills

Buffalo’s offense has been missing a true outside alpha since Stefon Diggs’ role began to shift. Boston may not have Diggs’ route-running polish or quick-twitch explosiveness, but he brings a different kind of threat-one that forces defenses to respect the deep ball and gives Allen a go-to guy in contested catch situations.

He also fits the Bills’ identity. This is a team that values toughness, physicality, and players who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.

Boston checks those boxes. He’ll block in the run game, compete for every ball, and bring an edge that aligns with Buffalo’s culture.

Draft Outlook: Late First-Round Value

Boston may not crack the top 10, but he’s a strong candidate to come off the board late in the first round. If he’s still available at No. 26, the Bills should be all over him. He has the tools to be a true No. 1 receiver in the right system, and in Buffalo, he’d have the benefit of playing with one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks.

In a draft class full of speedsters and slot technicians, Denzel Boston offers something different-size, physicality, and the ability to win when it matters most. That’s exactly what the Bills need if they’re serious about taking the next step.