Bills Address WR Need in Latest Mock Draft

Cynthia Frelund projects Buffalo to select Washington WR Denzel Boston in Round 1

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In her first 2026 NFL mock draft, ESPN's Cynthia Frelund has the Buffalo Bills selecting wide receiver Denzel Boston from the University of Washington with the 26th overall pick. Frelund praises Boston's size, speed, and red-zone skills as a potential WR1 for Bills quarterback Josh Allen and new head coach Joe Brady.

Why it matters

The Bills have a need at wide receiver, with uncertainty around the future of 2024 second-round pick Keon Coleman. Boston would bring a big-bodied target with contested-catch ability to complement the Bills' passing attack led by Allen.

The details

At 6'4" and 210 pounds, Boston is described as a "true WR1" by Frelund, who notes his 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons and ability to win jump balls and contested throws. Draft expert Lance Zierlein compares Boston to Rams star Puka Nacua, high praise for the redshirt junior prospect.

  • The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is just days away.

The players

Denzel Boston

A wide receiver prospect from the University of Washington, known for his size, speed, and red-zone skills.

Josh Allen

The starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills.

Joe Brady

The new head coach of the Buffalo Bills.

Keon Coleman

A wide receiver drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, whose future with the team is uncertain.

Puka Nacua

A successful wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, who draft expert Lance Zierlein compares Denzel Boston to.

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What they’re saying

“At 6-foot-4, Boston has top-tier speed and contested-catch win rates. His 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons also reflect his red-zone skills. He forecasts as a true WR1 for Josh Allen and new head coach Joe Brady.”

— Cynthia Frelund, ESPN Analyst (NFL.com)

“Very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws.”

— Lance Zierlein, Draft Expert (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Bills will have the opportunity to evaluate Denzel Boston and other top wide receiver prospects at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine.

The takeaway

The selection of Denzel Boston would address a key need for the Bills at wide receiver, providing Josh Allen with a big-bodied target who can win contested catches and excel in the red zone. Boston's potential as a "true WR1" could make him an ideal fit in Buffalo's offense.