Bills Emerge as Ideal Spot for Potential Raiders Draft Target

Analysts believe former Washington Huskies WR Denzel Boston could be a perfect fit for the Buffalo Bills in the late first round.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:48pm

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The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly interested in drafting former Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston in the 2026 NFL Draft. Analysts believe that if the Raiders trade back into the first round to select Boston, the Buffalo Bills could be an ideal landing spot for the talented receiver due to his skill set being a great complement to the Bills' offense.

Why it matters

The Raiders are in need of a big-bodied, sure-handed receiver to pair with their star quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Denzel Boston's size, contested catch ability, and experience thriving in a scramble drill offense could make him a perfect fit for the Raiders' passing attack. The Bills, who pick late in the first round, also have a need at wide receiver and could view Boston as a valuable addition to their offense led by Josh Allen.

The details

Boston had a pre-draft visit with the Raiders, indicating their interest in the 6'3" receiver. Analysts believe that if Boston falls out of the first round, the Bills could be an ideal landing spot for him at the end of Round 1. Boston is coming off a strong 2025 season at Washington where he posted an 87.7 overall PFF grade, ranking 14th among qualified wide receivers. He caught 56 passes for 755 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 13.5 yards per reception.

  • In April 2026, Denzel Boston had a pre-draft visit with the Las Vegas Raiders.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for late April/early May 2026.

The players

Denzel Boston

A former wide receiver for the University of Washington Huskies who is projected to be a late first-round or early second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Fernando Mendoza

The starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Josh Allen

The starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills.

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What they’re saying

“I think he's got a really good feel for the position. Scramble drill adjustments are fantastic. Hands are amazing.”

— Steve Palazzolo, NFL Analyst

“I actually think when you look at his strengths, he's a perfect fit. He will get open deep in a way, on the outside against press coverage, that none of the other Bills receivers do. I think his skill set is a perfect complement for what Buffalo has.”

— Sam Monson, NFL Analyst

“If you've got a big guy who catches everything, do we stop liking that in the NFL? Which brings me to the team that I want to take [Boston] - I want the Las Vegas Raiders to trade back into the first round and get Fernando Mendoza the X receiver he deserves.”

— Mina Kimes, ESPN NFL Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April/early May, where the Raiders and Bills will look to potentially select Denzel Boston in the first round.

The takeaway

The Raiders' need for a big-bodied, sure-handed receiver and the Bills' late first-round pick make Boston an ideal target for both teams. His skill set as a deep threat and contested catch specialist could be a perfect complement to the offenses led by Mendoza and Allen.