Patriots Predicted to Add 1,781-Yard Wide Receiver in NFL Draft

Washington Huskies star Denzel Boston could be New England's first-round pick

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:05am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes of color and form representing the raw power and dynamism of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a wide receiver's explosive athleticism, hinting at the Patriots' potential first-round draft target.New Orleans Today

A new NFL mock draft prediction has the New England Patriots selecting Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston with their first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Boston, who had 1,781 receiving yards in his college career, would provide a big target for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

Why it matters

The Patriots have clear needs at wide receiver, with A.J. Brown's future uncertain and the need to replace the production of Stefon Diggs. Adding a talented pass-catcher like Boston could give Maye another dangerous weapon as the young QB continues to develop.

The details

According to the mock draft from CBS Sports' Garrett Podell, the Patriots would select the 6'2" Boston with the 31st overall pick. Podell praised Boston's ability to 'line up in the slot and outside and blow through press coverage.' The Patriots have several options with their first-round pick, including addressing needs on the offensive line and at edge rusher, but wide receiver is also a clear priority.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 23-25.
  • The Patriots hold the 31st overall pick in the first round.

The players

Denzel Boston

A wide receiver who played for the Washington Huskies, Boston had 1,781 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in his college career. He is projected as a potential first-round pick for the Patriots.

Drake Maye

The Patriots' starting quarterback, who is entering his third NFL season. Maye was an MVP runner-up in 2025 and would benefit from having a talented receiver like Boston to throw to.

Garrett Podell

A CBS Sports writer who published a recent NFL mock draft predicting the Patriots will select Denzel Boston in the first round.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who has remained vague about the team's plans for the 31st overall pick in the draft.

Ja'Lynn Polk

A wide receiver the Patriots drafted in the second round before trading him and a seventh-round pick to the New Orleans Saints for a sixth-round pick.

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What they’re saying

“Denzel Boston is a tank who can line up in the slot and outside and blow through press coverage, and 2025 NFL MVP runner up Drake Maye will certainly enjoy having him to throw to in addition to free agency acquisition Romeo Doubs.”

— Garrett Podell, CBS Sports writer

“Maybe we trade up. Maybe we trade out. I don't know. But I love being able to work with Eliot and Ryan and their staff, and coaches, and try to bring that together.”

— Mike Vrabel, Head Coach

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25, with the Patriots holding the 31st overall pick in the first round. It remains to be seen if they will use that selection on Denzel Boston or explore other options to address their needs at wide receiver and other positions.

The takeaway

The Patriots have a clear need at wide receiver, and adding a talented pass-catcher like Denzel Boston in the first round could provide a major boost to their offense as they look to build around young quarterback Drake Maye. However, the team has several other areas to address as well, so it remains to be seen if they will ultimately use their first-round pick on Boston or explore other options.