Another NFL Sunday, another strong showing from Cleveland Browns' rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston.
In a 17-12 loss to the New York Jets, the former second-round pick came up with Cleveland's lone touchdown on a rainy day in the Meadowlands. The play came midway through the fourth quarter with the Browns trailing 10-6, as quarterback Deshaun Watson connected with the 6-foot-4, 215-pound playmaker to help his team take a 12-10 lead in the late stages of the game.
The catch marked the former Washington standout's third touchdown of the season, leading all rookies in the respective category. Touchdowns aren't the only thing that Boston leads his class in, however, as his 330 receiving yards have him atop all first-year players by a healthy margin, as the former No. 4 overall pick, Carnell Tate of the Tennessee Titans, currently sits in second with 274 yards. Boston has been one of the league's most consistent rookies, averaging 66 receiving yards a game through his first five contests.
Entering Sunday, the Browns' leading receiver trails only Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love in the Offensive Rookie of the Yea race, according to ESPN's Doug Greenberg. Although Boston hasn't reeled in a substantial number of receptions each game, he has made the most of them, averaging 21.8 yards per catch on the season.
Despite being the second wide receiver taken by Cleveland, behind No. 24 overall pick K.C. Concepcion, Boston has emerged as his quarterback's go-to guy on obvious passing downs. Surrounded by a talented receiving corps consisting of his fellow rookie, veteran Jerry Jeudy, and tight end Harold Fannin Jr., the contested-catch specialist has had no issue making his presence felt in first-year head coach Todd Monken's passing game.
With Cleveland now sitting at 3-2 and in a position to compete in the AFC North, they will need another star performance from their second-round pick as they look to bounce back against their division rival, the Baltimore Ravens.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Denzel Boston Adds to Strong Rookie Campaign vs. New York Jets