Panthers urged to select star Washington receiver in 2026 draft after NFL playoff loss

The Carolina Panthers are looking ahead to the offseason after suffering a narrow 31-27 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs.

Dave Canales' squad went toe to toe with one of the top teams in the NFC, and almost pulled off the stunning victory at home.

Quarterback Bryce Young played exceptionally well in the second half, showing that he can be Carolina's franchise quarterback.

The Panthers will now turn their attention to free agency and the NFL Draft. Carolina will have the No. 19 pick in April's draft, and NFL Mock's Tarringo Basile-Vaughan predicts general manager Dan Morgan will use the selection on a new playmaker for Young, Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston.

Here is The Draft Network's scouting report on Boston:

"Denzel Boston has prototype size and frame combined with athleticism to be a highly productive X receiver in the NFL. Boston has the ideal size to play the X receiver position for an NFL offense and be physically dominant."

Boston had two straight productive seasons with Washington in 2024 and 2025, tallying over 60 catches and 800 yards in both years. He also had nine touchdowns in 2024 and increased that number to 11 in 2025.

Though Boston doesn't have high-end speed, the junior receiver possesses excellent size at 6-foot-4, which makes him a dominant red-zone threat and jump-ball receiver.

Pairing Boston with Tetaiora McMillan would give the Panthers a versatile and electric receiver duo, and Boston would become quarterback Bryce Young's best friend in one-on-one situations.

Building around Young should be Carolina's offseason focus. Selecting Boston in Round 1 would make Young very happy and could elevate the Panthers' offense to the next level.