The New England Patriots have already explored trading for A.J. Brown, and with any potential deal unlikely to resurface until closer to June, their search for a top wide receiver is far from over.
If that blockbuster move never materializes, the 2026 NFL Draft could offer the clearest path to giving Drake Maye the “bonafide” top target he is currently missing.
Patriots Projected To Land Washington WR Denzel Boston in 2026 NFL Draft
In his latest three-round mock draft, PFSN analyst Jacob Infante projected Denzel Boston of the Washington Huskies as the answer to New England’s need for a reliable wide receiver.
“The New England Patriots going from 4-13 in 2024 to 14-3 in 2025 is nothing short of incredible. If they want to maintain that level of newfound success, at the top of their list should be finding a bonafide top wide receiver to replace Stefon Diggs,” Infante wrote.
The Patriots have already made efforts to strengthen Maye’s supporting cast, bringing in Romeo Doubs in free agency to help offset the departure of Stefon Diggs while also reinforcing the offensive line with Alijah Vera-Tucker.
“A big-bodied weapon at 6-foot-4 and 209 pounds, Denzel Boston is a sure-handed receiver with some of the best hands and physicality in the 2026 NFL Draft class,” Infante noted.
Why Boston Could Be a Good Fit for the Patriots
Boston broke out in 2024 as a Washington receiver, recording 63 receptions for 834 yards and 9 touchdowns. In 2025, he continued his impressive performance, finishing the season with 62 receptions for 881 yards, and his 11 touchdowns placed him in the FBS top 10.
That also makes him one of the most effective wide receivers in the league over the last two years. Across his college career, the 6-foot-4 receiver accounted for 22 total touchdowns, including 20 receiving, one passing, and one punt return score.
“He has impressive ball skills and coordination to high-point the ball and square up to it properly. As a route runner, Boston uses his hands well through his stems and can attack leverage points by adjusting his footwork to exploit a cornerback’s blind spot,” Infante added in his analysis.
Boston profiles as a prototypical X receiver with physicality and advanced ball skills, which earned him an 84.7 grade in PFSN’s scouting report and also ranked him fifth among wide receivers in the class.
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Moreover, New England will be careful not to repeat the decline that the Washington Commanders experienced in 2025 after a promising 2024 season. Adding a receiver like Boston could improve the Patriots’ passing game, as his physical attributes and ability to snag passes also suit a young quarterback like Maye.
New England could end up landing Brown through a trade or even secure a promising prospect like Boston at the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 23 to 25. Regardless, their plan appears to be to find a top wide receiver to unlock Maye’s full potential in 2026.
