It was just a matter of time before the betting markets caught up with the performance of Denzel Boston for the Cleveland Browns. The wide receiver has been one of the best rookies in the NFL since catching a long TD pass in his debut, and now he is being recognized as such.
A second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft who was the seventh wide receiver off the board, Boston has made a major impact in each of Cleveland’s first five games. He leads rookie receivers in almost every major statistical category and has the best yards per reception of any player in the league.
Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN reports that Boston is now the favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, which would make him the only Cleveland player to win it other than running back Jim Brown.
“According to ESPN Research, Browns WR Denzel Boston is, for the first time this season, the favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Boston leads all rookies in receiving yards (330) and touchdown catches (3),” Oyefusi said.
According to ESPN Research, Browns WR Denzel Boston is, for the first time this season, the favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Boston leads all rookies in receiving yards (330) and touchdown catches (3).
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) October 12, 2026
Brown won the inaugural award in 1957, when it covered both offensive and defensive players. It was split to recognize both sides of the ball in 1967. In 2018, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield finished second in the voting behind New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley.
Boston’s main competition for this year’s award is from Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love and Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate. But he seems to have separated from them with consistent performances over the first five games.
The No. 39 overall pick in the draft, Boston started building hype from his first minicamp. The buzz continued to grow throughout spring workouts and into training camp, based on his impressive size (6-foot-4, 215 pounds), route running, catch radius, and solid hands.
For the season, Boston has 16 receptions for 330 yards, which is a league-leading 20.6 yards per catch, 12 first downs, and zero drops. He is tied for the Browns’ lead with 29 targets, and his production is likely to increase if fellow rookie teammate KC Concepcion is sidelined by a concussion he suffered on Sunday in the 17-12 loss to the New York Jets.
Boston’s next chance to improve his chances will come this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field.
NEXT: Insider Names The Main Reason The Browns Are 3-2
