Kayshon Boutte completely satisfied to show ‘doubters’ unsuitable in making Patriots’ roster

Patriots

Boutte mentioned he was conscious of skeptics, however “tried to not give attention to it and get higher as a participant.”

Kayshon Boutte
Kayshon Boutte runs for a landing towards the Packers in a Patriots’ preseason sport. AP Photograph/Matt Ludtke

When the Patriots’ remaining cuts had been made on Tuesday, Kayshon Boutte was among the many six vast receivers who made the roster.

Boutte, 21, was picked by New England within the sixth spherical of the 2023 NFL Draft. Although as soon as projected as a attainable first-round choose following a breakout freshman yr at LSU in 2020, his worth fell in subsequent seasons (restricted, partly, by a number of ankle surgical procedures).

Given his circumstances, Boutte — who appeared to carry out higher and higher as coaching camp progressed — mirrored on making the Patriots’ roster.

“It feels nice. I really feel like everyone doubted me,” Boutte instructed Mark Daniels of MassLive on Tuesday. “Belongings you see on-line and all the pieces like that. I attempted to not give attention to it and get higher as a participant. I really feel like all through my time, I really feel like [I improved].”

Boutte impressed throughout New England’s second preseason sport, catching a slant from Bailey Zappe earlier than accelerating away from Packers defensive backs for a 42-yard landing. It was an encapsulation of his potential: high quality route-running, making a catch in site visitors, and exhibiting off the pace to make a giant play.

“Coming in day-in and day-out, realizing that you just’re combating for a spot,” Boutte instructed Daniels. “I really feel nice.”

Invoice Belichick has clearly taken discover. Past merely making the roster, Boutte has drawn compliments from Belichick.

“He didn’t do lots within the spring, and as camp went on appeared to get stronger and extra productive, each in apply and video games, actually in the entire areas that he labored into,” Belichick instructed reporters on Aug. 26. “So, that was very encouraging, and he confirmed explosive capacity on the sector when he performed.”

The Patriots opted to maintain six vast receivers on the roster. Together with Boutte, New England options DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Demario Douglas (Matthew Slater is designated particularly for particular groups).

And whereas it’s not an official measurement by any means, Boutte did end tied with Parker and Bourne for probably the most receptions in aggressive drills throughout coaching camp with 28, based on Daniels.