PHILADELPHIA — The Super Bowl confetti has barely been swept away, but the Philadelphia Eagles are already on the clock. After watching from the couch as the season wrapped up, GM Howie Roseman faces a familiar question at pick No. 23: Stick to the trenches, or finally add another premium weapon for Jalen Hurts?
The answer might be waiting in Seattle. A new mock draft from The Big Lead connects the Eagles to Washington’s red-zone magnet Denzel Boston, a move that would snap a five-year defensive streak in the first round.
The “Make-It-Right” Pick?
Philadelphia hasn’t touched a receiver in round one since landing DeVonta Smith in 2021. That decision exorcised the ghosts of the Jalen Reagor miss a year prior, but the front office has since pivoted hard to defense, using five consecutive top picks on that side of the ball over the last four drafts.
Boston isn’t your typical burner. Standing 6-foot-4 and 209 pounds, the Huskies star built a reputation for swallowing contested catches and dominating the red zone. Jeff Risdon of The Big Lead calls him a “sure-handed weapon” who brings a missing power element to Nick Sirianni’s offense.
The comparison turning heads comes from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, who sees shades of Puka Nacua in Boston’s game. The logic? Boston lacks elite 4.3 speed, but his burst off the line and route leverage allow him to suffocate defensive backs before the ball even arrives. While Nacua was a Day 3 gem, Boston’s production has pushed him into the Day 1 conversation.
The AJ Brown Insurance Policy
Let’s address the elephant in the locker room. The narrative surrounding A.J. Brown has been a rollercoaster of frustration and reassurance. While Brown appears set to return for another run in 2026, the Eagles learned the hard way that depth behind their dynamic duo is thin.
Bringing in Boston gives the Eagles immediate slot versatility and a future X-receiver who can learn the pro game without the pressure of being “the guy” on day one. It’s a luxury pick that quickly becomes a necessity if injuries strike.
By The Numbers: A Breakout Campaign
Boston’s trajectory is exactly what scouts look for. After a quiet start to his career, he exploded in 2024 with 63 catches. He followed that up with an even louder 2025 campaign entering this draft:
- Receptions: 62
- Yards: 881
- Touchdowns: 11
Those 11 scores prove he knows how to finish drives—a trait the Eagles’ offense desperately needs after stalling out too often in the red area last season.
“You watch the tape and the speed doesn’t pop, but then you look at the box score and he’s got 100 yards and two scores. He just wins the rep. That’s what matters in this league.” — NFC Scout on Denzel Boston
What’s Next: The Combine Gauntlet
The spotlight now shifts to Indianapolis. If Boston runs better than expected at the Combine, he won’t make it to pick 23. If he runs in the 4.5s, he falls right into Howie Roseman’s “value” sweet spot. For an Eagles team that claims to draft “Best Player Available” regardless of need, Boston might just check both boxes.
