Kayshon Boutte |  LSU 5’11” 195 lbs.  |  05/07/2022 (20)

Kayshon Boutte was drafted by the New England Patriots, becoming the 22nd Wide Receiver and 187th overall player in the 2023 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Boutte entered the LSU program as a five-star recruit and the second-highest recruit at wide receiver in his class. His Freshman season may have been his best, as he replaced Ja’Marr Chase. He earned Freshman All-America honors, finishing with 45 receptions for 735 yards and five touchdowns. Boutte broke the SEC single-game receiving record against Ole Miss, accumulating 308 receiving yards! He followed that season with a dominant six games in 2021, averaging about six receptions, 85 receiving yards, and over one touchdown per game. In 2022, he was rather disappointing, as he only hauled in 48 receptions for 538 yards, and two touchdowns in 11 games played. He originally made the decision to return to LSU for his Senior year but ended up changing his mind and declaring for the draft before LSU’s bowl game. 

FILM 

STRENGTHS

His best trait is racking up yards after the catch. Makes defenders miss with ease, showcasing his superb awareness and strength. Great blend of size and speed. Able to separate with great bend and has the ability to put on the breaks, leaving defenders behind regularly. Shows great burst and twitchiness with the ball in his hands. Clutch-factor is there, as he was often the guy to go to when LSU needed a first down. 

WEAKNESSES 

Limited catch radius and too often had focus drops. Needs to improve mightily on his intermediate routes. His release package is below average. Often neglects to extend and catch away from his body. Could improve as a run-blocker. Health is a major concern, as he missed time at LSU due to multiple surgeries on his right ankle. 

ATHLETIC TESTING

At the NFL Combine, Boutte measured in at 5’11” and 195 lbs., which equates to a BMI of 27.2. He ran a 4.5 40-yard dash (67th percentile), equating to a 92.5-speed score (46th percentile). Boutte also displayed a very disappointing 108.3 burst score (2nd percentile) and a college dominator score of 30.9 percent (57th percentile). 

Athletically, Boutte is a bust! His speed isn’t bad for his size, but he doesn’t show any elite traits. Among all receivers at the combine, his 29” vertical was the worst. And his 118” broad jump was the second-worst. The one trait he seems like he’s above average in is his strength. At his Pro Day, he repped out 18 reps on the bench press, which would’ve landed him tied for sixth at his position at the Combine. 

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Average

Boutte was selected with the 187th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Patriots. 

After sliding late in the Draft, the Patriots finally gave him a chance here in the sixth round. Boutte has a decent chance at earning playing time with a very thin wide receiver room here in New England. JuJu Smith-Schuster is the clear top receiver for the team, but outside of that, Boutte will battle with DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, and Tyquan Thornton for opportunities. 

FANTASY INSIGHTS

Because of the landing spot, Boutte could draw a decent amount of fantasy value. As mentioned above, the wide receiver room in New England is a bit lackluster. He’s worth drafting in the fourth round of your rookie drafts, but don’t be surprised if he rises later on in the offseason and makes his case as a third-rounder.  

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