2026 Draft: WR

[manxman2601]

I found myself screaming in my head, hit him, tackle him, stop trying to strip the ball, play defense! Then I realized the entire league is a bunch of white guys waiting to be lawyers and dreaming of Wednesday's 18 holes of golf with the boss and Thursday afternoon shtoops with the Boss' wife, Muffin.

Poor old Muffin.

 

[mayoclinic]

Patriots 2026 NFL Draft Preview: Wide receivers

Wide receiver is once again a need for the New England Patriots in the NFL Draft. Who are the names to know in this year's class?

985thesportshub.com

 

[Clonamery]

Poor old Muffin.

Did you say, old?

 

[manxman2601]

Denzel Boston

Analysis​

NFL Comparison
Puka Nacua

Overview​

Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations. A 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. He could have issues beating press, but releases can also be schemed. He’s very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws. Boston 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.

Sources Tell Us​

“I don’t think speed concerns are valid. Anyway, you don’t have to be fast when you are as good as he is when guarded.” – NFC scouting director

Via Lance Zierlein.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Denzel Boston

Analysis​

NFL Comparison
Puka Nacua

Overview​

Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations. A 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. He could have issues beating press, but releases can also be schemed. He’s very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws. Boston 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.

Sources Tell Us​

“I don’t think speed concerns are valid. Anyway, you don’t have to be fast when you are as good as he is when guarded.” – NFC scouting director

Via Lance Zierlein.

If he was the next Puka we would take him at 31 without hesitation.
That said.
I find these types of WRs to be really hard to get right. Some are great in the NFL, but many aren’t.
I remember a lot of similar concerns with Tet who had a great rookie year. Can he separate….etc, those same questions were being asked about him pre draft last year.

 

[manxman2601]

If he was the next Puka we would take him at 31 without hesitation.
That said.
I find these types of WRs to be really hard to get right. Some are great in the NFL, but many aren’t.
I remember a lot of similar concerns with Tet who had a great rookie year. Can he separate….etc, those same questions were being asked about him pre draft last year.

And he arguably had the best rookie season of any drafted last year.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

And he arguably had the best rookie season of any drafted last year.

He was great and looks poised for good things.
It’s just tough to get these guys right imo.
There have been many who had very similar concerns and never worked out.
Puka had similar concerns and is arguably the best WR in football.
I haven’t watched the tape on Boston, but I know a guy like Fields scares the crap out of me. Being a contested catch guy is great, but his film looks like he rarely gets open. I don’t like that.

 

[manxman2601]

Interesting that Todd McShay gives a Romeo Doubs comp for Stribling.

 

[manxman2601]

According to Matt Harmon, this is a red flag.

 

[mayoclinic]

I had thought of that comp, and briefly backed away from Stribling after we signed Doubs for that reason. But I think Stribling is so versatile, they could also be used in complementary ways

 

[manxman2601]

I had thought of that comp, and briefly backed away from Stribling after we signed Doubs for that reason. But I think Stribling is so versatile, they could also be used in complementary ways

I don't think it would be a problem anyway because I'm guessing Doubs takes the Diggs role. I see Stribling more as a Boutte/Hollins replacement.

 

[manxman2601]

Scouting report on Clark.

 

[manxman2601]

OK, De'Corian Clark is a really weird eval. Here are his career games.

2025 - 0
2024 - 2
2023 - 0
2022 - 9 (53-755-8TDs-2 drops)
2021 - 14 (52-759-7-2 drops)

He'll be 25 on draft night.

I'm guessing a non-starter, but he is interesting as a budget Malachi Fields/Denzel Boston type.

He's a 'freaks list' alum:

"Elite athletic skills -- Made Bruce Feldman's 'Freaks List' at number 94. He wrote: "Clark, who in high school jumped 24-8, hit 22.2 MPH on the GPS and clocked a 4.31 shuttle time. He also ran 4.49 in the 40, broad-jumped 10-1, vertical-jumped 35 inches and power-cleaned 345. "

And his highlights are intriguing.

 

[PatsFan2]

OK, De'Corian Clark is a really weird eval. Here are his career games.

2025 - 0
2024 - 2
2023 - 0
2022 - 9 (53-755-8TDs-2 drops)
2021 - 14 (52-759-7-2 drops)

He'll be 25 on draft night.

I'm guessing a non-starter, but he is interesting as a budget Malachi Fields/Denzel Boston type.

He's a 'freaks list' alum:

"Elite athletic skills -- Made Bruce Feldman's 'Freaks List' at number 94. He wrote: "Clark, who in high school jumped 24-8, hit 22.2 MPH on the GPS and clocked a 4.31 shuttle time. He also ran 4.49 in the 40, broad-jumped 10-1, vertical-jumped 35 inches and power-cleaned 345. "

And his highlights are intriguing.

His Tape looks really nice Wow!

 

[PatsFan2]

OK, De'Corian Clark is a really weird eval. Here are his career games.

2025 - 0
2024 - 2
2023 - 0
2022 - 9 (53-755-8TDs-2 drops)
2021 - 14 (52-759-7-2 drops)

He'll be 25 on draft night.

I'm guessing a non-starter, but he is interesting as a budget Malachi Fields/Denzel Boston type.

He's a 'freaks list' alum:

"Elite athletic skills -- Made Bruce Feldman's 'Freaks List' at number 94. He wrote: "Clark, who in high school jumped 24-8, hit 22.2 MPH on the GPS and clocked a 4.31 shuttle time. He also ran 4.49 in the 40, broad-jumped 10-1, vertical-jumped 35 inches and power-cleaned 345. "

And his highlights are intriguing.

I wouldn't call running 4.49 a budget.

 

[PatsFan2]

Scouting report on Clark.

Our Scouts are really doing their homework.

 

[VJCPatriot]

I think this is where the tape is more valuable than measurables or stats. Although I am surprised at that drop rate, his hands look excellent on tape, some borderline absurd catches.

Fields plays far stronger than Harry and is a lot more competitive. He tracks the ball better and doesn't body catch. I also think that his lesser production has a lot to do with the poor QB play and strong focus on their RB and TE's

Just to be clear, I don't think he's on London's level, I just think he's a lot closer to him as an NFL player than he is to Harry.

I like Fields in Rd2/3 as a potential upgrade to Mack Hollins. Big body possession type. But I kind of like Brazzell better if he lasts to round 2. That 4.37 speed paired with 6’4 198 lb frame offers elite size speed combo.

 

[DaBruinz]

A new subscriber site just for the Cult of Verticality:

Bookmark your post.

Just wish someone would do something similar for the O-line and D-line.. *GRIN*

 

[DaBruinz]

Another intriguing late round UDFA prospect



6'2", 200lbs, 4.39 40 time

His Dad was a kicker in the NFL and he started out as a kicker too, before transitioning to a returner and then WR

Did someone say "Returner"?

Wonder if he get's stuck bringing the food for the WR room all the time..

 

[DaBruinz]

Our Scouts are really doing their homework.

Wish you'd take a page out of their book for a change.