Bills Land Puka Nacua Comparison in New 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Washington's Denzel Boston could be the answer to the Bills' need for a boundary receiver

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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In a recent 2026 NFL mock draft, the Buffalo Bills are projected to select Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston with their first-round pick. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein has compared Boston's skill set to that of 2025 reception leader Puka Nacua, noting that Boston has elite ball skills that could make up for any athletic or speed limitations.

Why it matters

The Bills have been looking to add a boundary receiver to complement slot receiver Khalil Shakir, and Boston could be the answer. His size, contested catch ability, and red zone value make him an intriguing prospect to potentially fill that need for Buffalo.

The details

Boston is a 6-foot-4, 210-pound receiver coming off a season with 62 receptions for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also had 8 punt returns for 104 yards and a touchdown. While his speed may be a concern, Zierlein believes Boston's competitive toughness and ball skills could make up for it, comparing him favorably to Puka Nacua.

  • Denzel Boston is entering the 2026 NFL Draft after a standout career at the University of Washington.

The players

Denzel Boston

A 6-foot-4, 210-pound wide receiver from the University of Washington who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Khalil Shakir

The Buffalo Bills' leading receiver over the past two seasons, Shakir has proven to be a reliable option in the slot.

Keon Coleman

A wide receiver the Bills were hoping could emerge as a boundary option, but has yet to prove he can be counted on after two seasons.

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What they’re saying

“It seems too easy. A WR to satisfy not just a team need and an elite QB, but a most invested fan base? Sounds good to me.”

— Charles Davis, NFL.com writer (NFL.com)

“Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations. A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness.”

— Lance Zierlein, NFL Draft analyst (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Bills will continue to evaluate their options at wide receiver leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, with Denzel Boston emerging as a potential first-round target to address their need for a boundary receiver.

The takeaway

The Bills' search for a boundary receiver to complement Khalil Shakir has led them to Denzel Boston, a physical receiver from Washington who has drawn comparisons to 2025 reception leader Puka Nacua. Boston's size, contested catch ability, and red zone value could make him an ideal fit for Buffalo's offense led by an elite quarterback.