Steelers Round 1 Mock Draft Selection 1.0: Denzel Boston
p/c: Jordon Kelly
With two months away, the city of Pittsburgh will be hosting the NFL Draft for the first time ever.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have the 21st overall pick in the draft.
For my first mock draft selection in Round 1, I have the Steelers taking Denzel Boston - a wide receiver out of the University of Washington.
Boston got his chance to stand out as a sophomore in 2024, as he recorded 834 receiving yards, along with nine touchdowns.
This past season, Boston was productive again for the Huskies; registering 881 yards and 11 touchdown receptions, which were tied for ninth most in the nation. He also ran back a 78-yard punt return TD against UC Davis.
It was announced by Boston on Christmas Eve that he would be declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Most early mock drafts have Boston projected mid-to-late first round.
Boston is a big target, at 6’4, 210 pounds. During his collegiate career, he was considered a major red zone threat, so it’s probably not a surprise that Boston’s best skill set is his ability to win jump balls and contested throws. Along with terrific, body control, Boston has good speed for his size. The one knock on Boston is not having that extra burst/acceleration, which may cause issues in trying to create separation from defenders.
Aside from DK Metcalf, the Steelers’ WR room certainly has more questions than answers. Boston’s upside potentially could help address some of those problems. Adam Henry, who was hired to Mike McCarthy’s staff as Pittsburgh’s new WR coach, has a lengthy track record. Henry played a role in the early development of Odell Beckham Jr, Jarvis Landry, and CeeDee Lamb, so perhaps pairing Henry with Boston would be intriguing.
The Steelers hardly dabble for a receiver in Round 1, as the last WR they took in the first round was Santonio Holmes 20 years ago. Do they buck the trend for a big target like Boston?