This Browns WR can be Deshaun Watson’s No. 1 weapon originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Cleveland Browns are searching for their offensive identity in the offseason. With Deshaun Watson entering the final year of his $230 million guaranteed contract, chances are he will get the nod over Shedeur Sanders in the 2026 season. Watson didn’t play last year because he was recovering from a ruptured Achilles sustained in October 2024.
For Watson to succeed, he will need a receiver who can be a red-zone threat for him. Footage was dropped on Thursday, which shows who that man could be.
In the footage below, Watson throws a deep pass near the red zone. Contesting his way through multiple defenders, Browns’ 2026 draft pick, Denzel Boston, made a stunning catch. The receiver from Washington could be the Browns’ answer for the No. 1 receiver in 2026.
Denzel Boston will be the Browns’ WR1.
This kid is the real deal.
đ¤Żđ¤Żđ¤Żpic.twitter.com/sn8pOS3PCe
â Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 21, 2026
Boston played four seasons in college football with Washington. In his final season, he caught 62 receptions for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns.
MORE:Browns’ KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston get fun rookie projections from ESPN
Denzel Boston impresses Browns HC in OTAs
Though the Browns drafted wide receiver KC Concepcion in the first round and Boston in the second round, the latter is turning heads during the OTAs. Even head coach Todd Monken has become a fan of his.
âI mean, I know Iâm an offensive head coach, but hell, you know, you get a draft pick and itâs on one of the most talented guys in the league,” Monken said on Wednesday about Boston. “So, itâs encouraging, right? Thatâs what you want to see. You want to see your guys, especially some of your younger draft picks, make some of those plays.”
However, the Browns’ head coach also mentioned the necessary adjustments the rookie must make:
âI think learning the offense, I donât think he lacks confidence. I donât think itâs that, itâs just the day-to-day work that it takes to play against the best in the world. And I think thatâs a learning curve. Â Everybodyâs a little bit different. Â Some guys, it happens a lot quicker. Â Some guys have natural confidence and others it takes a while.â
If Boston can connect on Watson’s dimes, the Browns could be in for a breakout season this fall.
More NFL news:
Shedeur Sanders secures ultimate approval as Brownsâ franchise QB amid Deshaun Watson question
Brownsâ Deshaun Watson receives encouraging injury update
Browns HC Todd Monken on Shedeur Sanders: âThereâs something to work with thereâ
