Browns Rookie Will Face Another Key Test Against Ravens

Denzel Boston has passed every test of his rookie season with flying colors for the Cleveland Browns, but he is about to take on his biggest challenge yet. He will have to deal with the Baltimore Ravens’ talented secondary, including All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey, in their Week 6 matchup on Sunday.

Boston has emerged as a favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, and his case for the award would be bolstered by a good performance against the Ravens. Humphrey is one of four first-round draft picks in Baltimore’s defensive backfield, including cornerback Nate Wiggins and safeties Malaki Sparks and All-Pro Kyle Hamilton.

So, the Browns rookie will face another key test against the Ravens, looking to improve on his stellar statistics to date.

“First place in the AFC North is at stake in Cleveland when the Ravens come into town to take on the Browns. Cleveland’s rookie class has impressed, and Boston in particular will face another key test. Part of what has made Boston so dynamic are his talents after the catch, with his 6.9-yard average yards after the catch per reception the eighth-highest among wideouts. Humphrey, who has missed only one tackle this season, will need to remain disciplined if he gives up a reception,” Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus wrote.

Boston ranks among the top rookie receivers in the NFL with his 16 receptions for 330 yards, three touchdowns, and 12 first downs. His average of 20.6 yards per catch is the best in the league overall.

The Ravens do not deploy Humphrey as a shadow coverage cornerback who follows an opponent’s best receiver no matter where he goes. As an outside receiver, Boston is more likely to have to deal with Wiggins, who is ranked 26th in pass coverage rate among 104 cornerbacks by PFF.

A second-round pick from the 2026 NFL Draft, Boston has posted a catch of at least 40 yards in three of his first five games. That includes long TDs against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He should be helped by the presence of fellow rookie teammate KC Concepcion, who will be able to play after clearing concussion protocol following a scary hit against the Jets in Week 5. The duo is tied for the team lead with 29 targets each, two ahead of tight end Harold Fannin Jr.

With a full complement of pass catchers available, led by Boston, quarterback Deshaun Watson will be looking for a bounce-back performance returning home to Huntington Bank Field after a subpar outing against the Jets.