Browns' Denzel Boston Gets Honest About Rookie of the Year Hype

Denzel Boston has wasted no time stealing the spotlight in his rookie season for the Cleveland Browns. 

Through five career games, Boston leads the team in receiving yards with 330 and he's tied for the team lead in touchdowns with three. Meanwhile, he leads his entire rookie class in receptions (16), yards, touchdowns and first-down receptions. 

Additionally, his 20.6 yards per reception ranks second over the last 30 seasons for rookie wideouts through their first five games. 

The historic and memorable start has generated plenty of buzz around the Washington product when it comes to the offensive rookie of the year award. In some spaces, he's actually listed as the favorite to take home the honor, while others have him listed among the top three candidates. 

And while winning OROY is certainly something Boston has thought about, it's also not something he's concerned with at the moment. 

"Definitely in the back of any rookies mind. That's a big thing is try to win a rookie of the year award," the No. 39 overall pick admitted. "But that's not my main focus. My main focus is just trying to bring wins to this team and do whatever I can to contribute to bring wins to this team and this program. It's cool, it's definitely a cool thing, but my main focus is in this building with my guys, trying to get wins together."

Along with Boston, names like Jeremiyah Love of the Arizona Cardinals, and Carnell Tate of the Tennessee Titans are also in the mix for the award. 

In some respects, Boston's breakout isn't surprising. Since he arrived at the team facility in April he's caught just about everything thrown his way and been a model of consistency on the practice field. 

He's also a major reason reason why the Browns are off to a surprising 3-2 start to the season and along with fellow rookie wideout KC Concepcion, the offense has a little more juice this year because of their presence. 

For what it's worth, since the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award first started being handed out in 1967, the Browns have never had a player take home the hardware. In 2018, Baker Mayfield was the runner-up up for the honor to then New York Giants rookie Saquon Barkley. 

It would certainly be a nice cherry on top of what's already been a special rookie campaign for Boston if he's able to cap it off with an OROY award. For now, though, end-of-year accolades are, rightfully, out of sight and out of mind, especially as the Browns prepare for a pivotal Week 6 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens that will determine first place in the AFC North.