Grading the Browns’ Round 2 pick: Cleveland doubles up on wide reciever by adding a big-catch threat with Denzel Boston
The Cleveland Browns are on the board with their first pick in the second round at No. 39 overall. Cleveland has doubled up on wideout early in the draft.
The Cleveland Browns checked off their two biggest needs in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft by bringing in OT Spencer Fano and WR KC Concepcion. Filling out those spots opened the door for the Browns to go in a different direction early in the second round, but they aren’t.
Cleveland has added Washington WR Denzel Boston at No. 39 overall in the second round. It’s a key addition to the Browns and we’re going to get straight into grading the latest draft pick for this team.
Browns double up on wide receiver with the big Denzel Boston
I didn’t have the Browns doubling up on wide receiver here but it shows they’re overhauling the room outside of Jerry Jeudy and Isaiah Bond likely. Cleveland deemed they couldn’t pass up on the value here with Boston at No. 39. Originally, it was thought the 6-foot-4 wideout could be in contention at No. 24 for the Browns.
Wide receiver is a fascinating position group this season, and there isn’t a more intriguing name than Denzel Boston. He is the best traditional X-receiver in this class, but there is more to his game than just winning jump balls. Boston has nuance in his route running, showcasing subtle details to create separation on breaking and deep routes. He is deceptively fast, including returning a punt for a touchdown this past season. Boston has work to do as a route runner, especially with consistency. Even so, Boston can play an immediate role on day one and be an impact player on the outside.
Tyler forness
Adding Boston gives the Browns a player with the potential to be their big X to make contested catches down the field. The Browns are clearly trying to give the quarterback now and in the future a good deal of talent around him. The Browns’ playmaking group immediately looks a lot better coming out of the first two rounds of this draft.
There may have been bigger needs for the Browns to fill potentially with another cornerback or pass rusher. Neither of those needs was glaring and the Browns all but replaced Cedric Tillman with this selection.
Boston cleared 800 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons at Washington and he has 20 touchdowns during that time. Cleveland’s wide receiver room has gone from one of the worst in the league to looking like an intriguing group.
Grade: B-
