The New Orleans Saints may still have one obvious offensive hole to address as they continue shaping their roster for 2026. With Tyler Shough expected to remain a major part of the team’s long-term quarterback plans, surrounding him with more dependable pass-catching help has become an increasingly important conversation.
Wide receiver stands out as one of the clearest areas where New Orleans could still improve, and that is why one new draft projection has drawn attention, linking the Saints to a big-bodied target with strong red-zone upside. If New Orleans wants to get the most out of Shough, this kind of move would be easy to understand.
Denzel Boston Could Be the Type of WR the Saints Need for Tyler Shough
In his latest mock draft, PFSN analyst T.J. Randall projected the Saints to use a premium pick on Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston. While cornerback has often been viewed as a popular route for New Orleans, Randall suggested that helping Shough could carry just as much weight.
“Going the corner route at this juncture has understandably been a popular path,” Randall wrote. “It’s justifiable to subscribe to the belief that the New Orleans Saints want to squeeze as much potential out of quarterback Tyler Shough as possible, something that drafting Boston helps accomplish.”
Randall also pointed to New Orleans’ broader draft tendencies under general manager Mickey Loomis, noting that the team has consistently used premium picks on high-value positions.
“For what it’s worth, over the last five years, general manager Mickey Loomis has used his picks in the first two rounds to invest very heavily in premium positions,” He added. “That’s enough signal to go in either direction re: corner versus receiver.”
Boston’s profile helps explain why he would be appealing in that range. On PFSN’s Consensus Big Board, he carries a grade of 85.53, ranks No. 34 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, and is projected to be drafted in the first round.
His scouting report paints the picture of a receiver who wins more with timing, body control, and strength than pure explosiveness.
“While not an especially twitchy athlete, Boston moves efficiently for his size, stacks cornerbacks on the outside with smooth explosion and long-strider speed, and competes well through contact,” the report noted.
The Saints’ performance last season reinforces the case for another receiver still being a priority. According to PFSN’s NFL Offense Impact Metric, New Orleans finished 6-11 and posted a 68.0 OFFi, ranking 26th in the league.
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
They also received a D+ grade, a reflection of an offense that failed to consistently generate enough production. Their overall ranking as the 26th-ranked offense only added to the urgency for more offensive answers.
“Boston’s ability to high-point passes and make difficult grabs makes him a go-to weapon when space tightens, and he magnifies his vice-grip hand strength with intelligent timing control and catch-point positioning,” his scouting report added.
Boston’s 2025 season suggests he could help solve some of that, as he finished with 62 catches for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns, and has recorded 22 total touchdowns through his college football career.
For a Saints team that already has Chris Olave but still needs a more physical complement, Boston could be the type of addition that gives Shough a much better chance to grow into the role.
