Former Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon likened University of Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston to Indianapolis Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Carthon described Boston as a reliable, quarterback-friendly option despite lacking elite speed.
Ran Carthon, former general manager of the Tennessee Titans, offered his comparison of Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston during an appearance on the With the First Pick podcast. He stated, “He grew on me, and he gave me the feel of a Michael Pittman Jr.-style wide receiver. That was my comp for him. [He] will have to be moved around some and schemed open, but I think he is a reliable hands-catcher…very quarterback-friendly.” Carthon also noted Boston's decision not to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine or his Pro Day, adding, “Him not running [the 40-yard dash], I think that just confirms that he was, at best, going to run in the low 4’s.” Both players stand around 6-foot-4, though Pittman weighs about 220 pounds, heavier than Boston. Pittman recorded a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the Combine and has been durable, with at least 80 catches in four of his six NFL seasons. Boston showed reliability in college, posting 63 receptions for 834 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024, followed by 62 catches for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025. The Pittsburgh Steelers, who recently acquired Pittman and signed DK Metcalf, met Boston at the Combine and plan a pre-draft visit. While Boston could upgrade their receiver depth, observers note the team already features sizable receivers and might seek a more explosive complement instead.