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Big-Bodied Steelers WR Target Looks Up to DK Metcalf
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- Big-Bodied Steelers WR Target Looks Up to DK Metcalf
Denzel Boston -- Washington Athletics
INDIANAPOLIS —Denzel Boston didn't always have his sights set on being one of the top receivers in his draft class. The Washington wideout and potential Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick in April's 2026 NFL Draft had other plans early on.
"The first NFL jersey I had as a kid was a Falcons Mike Vick jersey," Boston said Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine. "That's when I was training to be a quarterback. My dad tried to train me. I wanted to wear gloves, so he was like, 'Alright, you're not playing quarterback any more.' I was like, 'OK, fair. Well, Mike Vick wears gloves. Why can't I?'"
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The position switch has suited Boston well. He's the No. 4-ranked receiver on the NFL Mock Draft Database's consensus big board. The Steelers have been projected to take him No. 21 overall in multiple mock-ups. Pittsburgh needs pass-catching help, as no wideout other than DK Metcalf had more than 375 receiving yards last season.
Boston, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 210 pounds, said he formally met with Mike McCarthy and the Steelers, a gathering that was more to get to know him as a person than anything else. Boston hopes to take a top-30 visit with Pittsburgh, as well.
"I would love (for) the Steelers to come pick me up," Boston said . "I'd love for any team to come pick me up. Playing with DK would be great. Funny story, I actually predicted to my dad that the Seahawks were gonna draft DK back in his class. … I am a fan of his, for sure. Big, dominant receiver."
Boston believes he has similar attributes.
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"The physical and dominant traits I have will translate directly into the league as I get there," Boston said. "And also having a great contested catch rate and a low drop rate. We're receivers. That's what we do."
Boston credited drills with teammates hitting him with bags and swiping his arms down as he tries to catch passes from the JUGS machine as something that's helped him with 50/50 balls. Playing in Jedd Fisch's offense, which Boston said is a pro-style attack, has put him ahead of the curve. Some teams, he said, are installing plays that he's accustomed to.
Boston said he enjoys watching Mike Evans , Tee Higgins and Nico Collins , "three guys that are built like me and have similar traits," Boston said. "I like to take from their game. … I also like to watch some greats. I like to watch Randy Moss. I like to watch Jerry Rice. I like to watch Terrell Owens. I like to watch Calvin Johnson , and other guys of that nature."
Boston led the Huskies with 62 receptions, 881 receiving yards and 11 touchdown catches last season.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Big-Bodied Steelers WR Target Looks Up to DK Metcalf
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