The Miami Dolphins may target receiver Denzel Boston in the first round of the NFL Draft to replace Jaylen Waddle. Boston, known for his toughness and strong hands, has drawn comparisons to Puka Nacua.
Key points
Miami Dolphins may target Denzel Boston in Round 1
The Miami Dolphinsā answer to filling the void left by Jaylen Waddle could be a receiver who will never be confused with Jaylen Waddle.
Whereas Waddleās game is built around his sprinterās speed, former Washington receiver Denzel Bostonās eye-catching trait is at the other end of the spectrum. Heās 6-feet-4 and 212 pounds, known not for speed but for toughness and strong hands that helped him score 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
If any of that has you picturing another Puka Nacua, youāre not alone. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein compares Boston to Nacua (6-2, 216), making no apologies in the process.
āTwo-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations,ā Zierlein wrote. āA Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness. Boston gets off the line with good burst and maintains his top speed throughout the route.ā
Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche (0) against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Q&A
What are Denzel Boston's key traits as a receiver?
Denzel Boston is known for his toughness, strong hands, and has scored 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
How does Denzel Boston compare to Jaylen Waddle?
Unlike Jaylen Waddle, who is known for his speed, Denzel Boston is 6-feet-4 and emphasizes toughness and ball skills.
Who has compared Denzel Boston to Puka Nacua?
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein has compared Denzel Boston to Puka Nacua, noting similarities in their competitive toughness and speed concerns.
What are the Miami Dolphins' needs heading into the NFL Draft?
The Dolphins are looking to fill the void left by Jaylen Waddle, making a receiver like Denzel Boston a potential target in the first round.
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Sep 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche (0) reacts after a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche (0) reacts after a defensive stop against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebackers Jalyx Hunt (58) and Joshua Uche (0) react after a victory against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Sep 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche (0) reacts after a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche (0) and linebacker Jihaad Campbell (30) tackle New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Aug 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche (0) in a game against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Joshua Uche #0 of the Philadelphia Eagles pressures Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants during the fourth quarter in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 7: Joshua Uche #0 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes the passer against Devin Cochran #76 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half of the NFL Preseason 2025 game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 7, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Bengals 34-27. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs the ball against Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Joshua Uche (55) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche recovers a fumble by Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen during first half action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Dec. 28, 2025. Tyring to also get to the ball was Buffalo Bills guard O'Cyrus Torrence.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 16: Kaden Davis #89 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball in the first quarter as Joshua Uche #0 of the Philadelphia Eagles defends during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 16, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Jan 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) scrambles under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Joshua Uche (55) as guard Quinn Meinerz (77) defends against defensive end Malik Herring (94) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
1 / 13
Meet new Miami Dolphins LB Joshua Uche
Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche (0) against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
1 / 13
Meet new Miami Dolphins LB Joshua Uche
Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche (0) against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
2 / 13
Meet new Miami Dolphins LB Joshua Uche
Sep 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche (0) reacts after a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
3 / 13
Meet new Miami Dolphins LB Joshua Uche
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche (0) reacts after a defensive stop against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
4 / 13
Meet new Miami Dolphins LB Joshua Uche
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebackers Jalyx Hunt (58) and Joshua Uche (0) react after a victory against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
5 / 13
Meet new Miami Dolphins LB Joshua Uche
Sep 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche (0) reacts after a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
6 / 13
Meet new Miami Dolphins LB Joshua Uche
Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche (0) and linebacker Jihaad Campbell (30) tackle New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
7 / 13
Meet new Miami Dolphins LB Joshua Uche
Aug 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche (0) in a game against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
8 / 13
Meet new Miami Dolphins LB Joshua Uche
Joshua Uche #0 of the Philadelphia Eagles pressures Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants during the fourth quarter in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
9 / 13
Meet new Miami Dolphins LB Joshua Uche
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 7: Joshua Uche #0 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes the passer against Devin Cochran #76 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half of the NFL Preseason 2025 game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 7, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Bengals 34-27. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
10 / 13
Meet new Miami Dolphins LB Joshua Uche
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs the ball against Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Joshua Uche (55) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
11 / 13
Meet new Miami Dolphins LB Joshua Uche
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche recovers a fumble by Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen during first half action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Dec. 28, 2025. Tyring to also get to the ball was Buffalo Bills guard O'Cyrus Torrence.
12 / 13
Meet new Miami Dolphins LB Joshua Uche
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 16: Kaden Davis #89 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball in the first quarter as Joshua Uche #0 of the Philadelphia Eagles defends during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 16, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
13 / 13
Meet new Miami Dolphins LB Joshua Uche
Jan 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) scrambles under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Joshua Uche (55) as guard Quinn Meinerz (77) defends against defensive end Malik Herring (94) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Boston seems fine making a living that way. Ask him his favorite receivers and heāll list Mike Evans, Tee Higgins and Nico Collins. As for great receivers of the past, he has to go with Randy Moss, Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens and Calvin Johnson. Perhaps, while reading those seven names, you detected a pattern. Rice, at 6-2, is the shortest of the bunch, with most checking in at 6-4. All are/were 200 pounds or more, all the way up to Johnson living up to his Megatron nickname at 237.
āGuys built like me,ā Boston said. āI like to take from their game.ā
Denzel Boston projected as late first-round draft pick
Sep 9, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) attempts to score a touchdown against Tulsa Golden Hurricane defensive back Keuan Parker (5) during the fourth quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Boston went out of bounds at the two-yard line. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) attempts to score a touchdown against Tulsa Golden Hurricane defensive back Keuan Parker (5) during the fourth quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Boston went out of bounds at the two-yard line. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Boston is projected as a late first-round pick, meaning he could be in play for Miamiās second selection, 30th overall.
Heās coming off a season with 62 receptions for 881 yards (14.2 average) and 11 touchdowns. His 2024 season was nearly identical: 63 catches, 834 yards (13.2) and nine TDs.
In explaining his style, Boston said, āI would describe it as a giant vacuum. I have very long arms and therefore I have a big catch radius. You put it up there, Iām gonna go get it. You put it out there, Iām also gonna go get it. So, you know, Iāll say a giant vacuum.ā
Boston is sometimes mistaken as the son of former NFL receiver David Boston, who briefly played for the Dolphins. In reality, Denzel does come from an athletic family. His father, Chris, is a football coach. A brother, Andrew, tried out with the Kansas City Chiefs before signing with Hamilton of the Canadian Football League.
Besides traditional honors such as third-team All-Big Ten, Denzel was included in the Big Ten All-Academic team after majoring in ācomparative history of ideas.ā
Speaking of comparative history, NFL.com rates Boston a 6.40, āgood starter within two years.ā Compare that to Nacua, whose draft score in 2023 was just 5.80 (āaverage backup or special teamerā). Nacua was projected to go in the final two rounds, but the Rams took him in the fifth round. All they got for their trouble was 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and Nacuaās second trip to the Pro Bowl.
āThe ball skills and competitive nature he brings to the field give him a fighting chance to make a roster,ā Zierlein wrote in Nacua's pre-draft analysis.
Zierleinās projection for Boston, obviously, is much higher than that.
āHeās very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws,ā Zierlein wrote. āBoston also knows how to win in the red zone. Acclimating to NFL competition could take a year, but Boston has the makeup to become a productive possession target with above-average red-zone value.ā
Oct 4, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) celebrates after the Huskies comeback victory over the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
Oct 4, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) celebrates after the Huskies comeback victory over the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
How big is Denzel Boston?
6-4, 212
Where is Denzel Boston from?
His hometown is South Hill, Wash., although he was raised in Boise, Idaho.
How fast is Denzel Boston?
Good question. He did not run at the NFL Combine and did not do the 40 at Washingtonās pro day on the advice of his agent.
What did Denzel Boston do at his pro day?
A vertical leap of 37.5 inches.
Whatās this about Denzel Bostonās famous father?
Actually, David Boston, former NFL receiver who briefly played for the Dolphins, is not his father. His dad, Chris, does coach football.
Can Denzel Boston move the chains?
Yet bet. Last season, 79 percent of his receptions produced a first down or touchdown.