SEATTLE — Denzel Boston didn’t need a stopwatch to make his point on Monday. The Washington wideout declined to run the 40-yard dash at the Huskies’ Pro Day, instead silencing skeptics with a 37.5-inch vertical jump and a clear message: his tape is his resume. The explosive leap bettered his previous mark from the NFL Scouting Combine, cementing his status as one of the most athletic “X” receivers in the 2026 class.
Calculated Risk in the Emerald City
The damp Seattle air inside the Dempsey Indoor Center was thick with anticipation as scouts from nearly every NFL franchise gathered to see if Boston would challenge the clock. Acting on the advice of his agent, Boston chose to focus exclusively on positional work and explosiveness drills. It is a strategic move seen often with late-first-round locks who have nothing left to prove regarding their straight-line speed. By hitting a 37.5-inch vertical, Boston confirmed the “above-the-rim” playstyle that led him to 19 touchdowns during his collegiate career.
Boston looked fluid in his breaks, snagging every pass thrown his way during the script. His 6-foot-4 frame and large catch radius were on full display, reminding evaluators why he hauled in 126 receptions for 1,655 yards over four seasons. He moved with a suddenness that belies his size, making him a nightmare matchup for smaller cornerbacks who struggled to press him at the line of scrimmage.
“I’ve got nothing to hide. My game is about power and catching everything in my zip code. The vertical jump today showed I’m getting more explosive every week. I have 12 visits lined up, and I’m heading to see the Raiders on Sunday. I’m ready to show them I’m the missing piece.”
— Denzel Boston, Washington Wide Receiver
NFL Draft Trajectory
Boston’s stock is currently at an all-time high. While some analysts initially questioned his top-end gear, his decision to skip the 40-yard dash suggests he is confident in his mid-to-late first-round projection. The Las Vegas Raiders, who hold a pick in the early 20s, are clearly prioritizing the Huskies’ star, as they are the first stop on his 12-team tour.
The Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers also had heavy representation at the workout. For a team like Pittsburgh, Boston represents a physical possession threat that could thrive opposite a burner. With the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh less than six weeks away, Boston has positioned himself as a potential Day 1 selection who offers immediate red-zone utility.
