Texans host Washington WR Denzel Boston for pre-draft visit

Could the Houston Texans shock the NFL world and go for a wide receiver in Round 1?

According to reports, the Texans hosted Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston this week as one of his final 30 visits. The Texans don't seem to be in the market for a wide receiver after using two early draft picks on the Iowa State standouts last April, but given the recent comments made by general manager Nick Caserio on Tank Dell's status, it wouldn't be the worst idea to bring in at least one pass-catcher.

A staple under Jedd Fisch's squad the past two seasons, Boston has been one of the more consistent weapons in the Big Ten. A former third-team All-Big Ten selection, Boston finished with Huskies' career with 132 receptions for 1,781 yards and 20 touchdowns and one rushing score. He caught 62 passes for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

A 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, Boston fits the mold of a big-bodied playmaker who wins with contested catches and elevating himself over cornerbacks while coming down with great body control. He's expected to be one of the better red zone targets in the league as part of the draft class.

Earlier this week, Caserio mentioned that while Dell, who missed all of last season with a gruesome leg injury, is on the pathway to playing in 2026, there's no exact date set on his return.

"It's probably a day-to-day, we'll kind of see where he is," Caserio said on Monday. "Probably have a better idea as we get through the spring of what his availability is going to be in training camp. He's been here pretty religiously, since he's been able to do more once he's gotten out of the rehab stage."

Jayden Higgins and Nico Collins are big-bodied receivers who are expected to win at the point of attack on the outside. In the slot, Houston also has Jaylin Noel, a former third-round pick who saw most of his success come on special teams in the return game. If Houston views Noel as only a return man, perhaps Houston would inch closer toward drafting a playmaker inside its first four picks.

While the Texans likely will address the open spot at wide receiver, finding a name in the first round feels unlikely for the time being. Then again, it would be the biggest smokescreen to say Houston would address the offensive line only to turn around and target a playmaker.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans NFL Draft: Houston hosts Washington WR Denzel Boston