Patriots Rookie Roster Fate: Caliber, Not 'Click Bait'

FOXBORO – New England Patriots receiver Kayshon Boutte has the distinction of being one of the most talented, yet enigmatic rookies on the team’s roster heading into training camp.

Known as much for his inconsistencies with engagement, as his athleticism, the 21-year-old faces an uphill battle to earn a spot on the Pats corps of receivers in 2023. In addition to New England's pursuit of five-time All Pro DeAndre Hopkins, Boutte is estimated to have fallen behind fellow rookie Demario Douglas on a depth chart already consisting of veterans JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton and Kendrick Bourne.

Still, one Saturday afternoon social media posting – allegedly predicting Boutte’s imminent demise – attempted to paint the rookie’s relationship with Pats offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien in a negative light.

As a true freshman for the LSU Tigers in 2020, Boutte developed into one of the most promising receivers in the nation, compiling 735 yards on 45 catches with five touchdowns in 10 games. Through five games in his sophomore season, he had already eclipsed his previous year's touchdown total, while being well on his way to shattering his collegiate career-highs in receptions and receiving yards.

Unfortunately, Boutte suffered a season-ending broken ankle in 2021 while attempting to complete an acrobatic catch out of bounds in the Tigers Oct. 9 matchup with the Kentucky Wildcats. The injury caused him to miss the remaining seven games of the season; ending what had started as a promising campaign with 38 receptions for 509 yards and nine touchdowns.

Despite his disappointing 2023 season in Baton Rouge, coupled with a dismal performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Boutte found his way to New England as one of the Patriots sixth-round Draft selections (No. 187) in the 223 NFL Draft. While Boutte appears to have put his medical setbacks firmly behind him, questions surrounding his dedication and coachability. In fact, many believe the ex-Tiger has yet to regain his previous level of focus since his 2021 ankle injury. As such, his apparent disconnect with O’Brien seemingly becomes more concerning.

However, a member of Patriots media, as well as one of Boutte’s teammates, were quick to come to his aid – thus debunking the appearance of impending doom awaiting the Pats rookie during training camp.

Shortly after Lazar set the record straight on his stance, Patriots defensive back Jalen Mills weighed in on the matter, as well.

Though similar haphazard speculation will likely – and unfortunately – continue, Boutte’s performance will rightfully decide his fate in New England for 2023. At his best, he is an explosive big-play threat when he is on his game. At 6-0, 195-pounds he possesses a sizable frame to make him tough to bring down after the catch. He also has an inherent speed to be elusive when changing direction. His ability to adjust his body to make contested catches could catch the eye of New England's coaches in the coming weeks. This time, it would hopefully be in a positive way.

Accordingly, Boutte knows better than anyone that his fate ultimately lies within his own actions.

"I'm more motivated than ever now," Boutte told reporters shortly after being drafted by New England. "I have to focus on myself ... put in the work every day to get back to where I want to be.

The injury was a setback for me, but I want everybody to know that I'm a hard worker. I'm going to give 100% throughout everything. I feel like I've been doubted a lot. I feel like it's time for me to prove that I'm not that same person."

With camp set to open on July 26, Boutte will get the chance to do so in short order.

Until then, reports of his demise appear to be both premature, and greatly exaggerated.

Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots

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