The Buffalo Bills enter the 2026 NFL Draft staring at a question that has lingered far too long: Who is Josh Allen’s true No. 1 receiver? For all the fireworks Allen provides, Buffalo just finished another season without a single wideout topping 720 yards — a glaring void for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Mel Kiper Sees Denzel Boston as Potential Go-To Target for Josh Allen
In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. labeled the selection “obvious,” underscoring just how pressing the need has become for a franchise that can’t afford to waste its MVP-caliber quarterback’s prime.
Kiper predicts that the Bills will select Washington’s Denzel Boston with the 26th overall pick. The 6-foot-4 WR recorded a total of 21 receiving and rushing touchdowns, accumulating 1,783 yards throughout his career.
“Boston’s hands, catch radius and vision would quickly make him a go-to option for quarterback Josh Allen,” Kiper wrote. “He finished with 881 yards and 11 scores last season, bullying opposing cornerbacks along the way.”
Boston became Washington’s top target in 2025, leading the Huskies with 62 receptions, 881 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 12 games. He recorded three or more catches in 11 contests and posted multiple two-touchdown performances. His size and physicality profile as a traditional X receiver, something the Bills arguably lack.
Kiper pointed to uncertainty in the Bills’ receiver room. Khalil Shakir has been productive but is not widely viewed as a true WR1. Keon Coleman’s future has been questioned after public criticism from ownership. Brandin Cooks and Gabe Davis are free agents. Joshua Palmer was limited to 22 catches due to injury. Tyrell Shavers tore an ACL in the playoffs.
On paper, the fit makes sense. Still, it may not be that simple. General manager Brandon Beane could prioritize the best player available at No. 26. Defensive reinforcements remain a need as new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard adapts his scheme. Free agency or a trade could also address the wide receiver before April.
Boston’s skill set has drawn comparisons to big-bodied, volume targets who thrive through contact. While he may not have elite breakaway speed, he compensates with his route-running finesse and strength. For a quarterback like Allen, who thrives outside structure, a wide catch radius could prove valuable. He scored 90 on the PFSN NFL QB Impact metric.
Whether the Bills view Boston as the answer is another question. The Bills may seek a more dynamic separator or add competition on Day 2 instead. Much will depend on how free agency unfolds.
For now, Kiper’s projection puts Boston squarely in the conversation. If he reaches pick No. 26, the Bills could face a defining choice about Allen’s supporting cast and the direction of their offense moving forward.
