The Cleveland Browns are nearing the end of the preseason with just one game remaining against the New England Patriots on Thursday before roster cutdowns happen this weekend. 

Cleveland’s 53-man roster will look much different than a year ago when the Browns open against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1. One player who figures to play a major role for the Browns offense is second-round pick wide receiver Denzel Boston, who has been a standout rookie through training camp and already looks like potentially the team’s best pass catcher.

Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion give the Browns a new look at wide receiver

Boston and fellow wide receiver, first-round pick KC Concepcion, are both going to be major parts of this Browns offense. Cleveland didn’t have a whole lot of production receiving last season outside of tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who had a down year. The addition of two highly drafted receivers showed a shift in how the Browns plan to attack on offense in 2026 when they made the picks. 

Boston recently got to go up against what the Browns have best to offer in the defensive backfield when he matched up with cornerback Denzel Ward. The five-time Pro Bowler gives more of a challenge to Boston than any other player can on the roster, and that’s where Boston learned it’s different going up against your average NFL cornerback compared to the players at the top of the position.

Todd Monken breaks down the challenge Denzel Boston got with Denzel Ward

Browns head coach Todd Monken addressed the difference Boston is experiencing going up against elite competition:

“You come to find out that there’s a difference. Denzel’s (Ward) missed a little bit of time, so has Tyson (Campbell),” Monken said on Tuesday. “We haven’t played teams yet that have played their top corners. So, there is a difference. There are millionaires and there are thousandaires, right? And the guys out there that are really good, they’re multi-multimillionaires, and they’re paid to cover. That’s how you develop: going up against the best, and yet having other opportunities to build your confidence.”

 There’s a combination of that. You want to have some success to help build your confidence, but then you’ve got to see where you’re at, with any position. That’s the way it is. So, I’m always excited to see our guys go against it, because it gives you a little bit of insight as to where they’re at at this point.”

Boston is a 6-foot-4 wide receiver who will start at the X position for the Browns offense. He has the ability to win contested catches deep downfield, and that will be a necessity for any successful offense in Cleveland. Boston is certainly a player to watch in his rookie season with the Browns, and if training camp means anything, he has a bright future ahead.

Time will tell how quickly Boston adjusts to facing top-tier cornerbacks on a weekly basis, but the returns from camp suggest the Browns may have found a legitimate weapon in the second round.