Kayshon Boutte proves “doubters” wrong when picking Patriots roster

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Boutte said he was aware of the skeptics but had “tried not to focus on it and get better as a player”.

Kayshon Boutte goes for a touchdown against the Packers in a Patriots preseason game. AP Photo/Matt Ludtke

Kayshon Boutte was among the six wide receivers on the roster when the Patriots’ final roster commitments were made Tuesday.

Boutte, 21, was drafted by New England in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Though he was once considered a possible first-round pick after breaking through his freshman year at LSU in 2020, his worth has slumped in subsequent seasons (partly limited by multiple ankle surgeries).

Given his circumstances, Boutte – who seemed to be performing better and better as training camp progressed – considered making the Patriots roster.

“It feels good. I feel like everyone was doubting me. Boutte told Mark Daniels about MassLive on Tuesday. “Things you see online and so on. I tried not to focus on that and try to get better as a player. I’ve got the feeling over my time that I’ve got the feeling [I improved].”

Boutte impressed in New England’s second preseason game by catching an oblique shot from Bailey Zappe before moving away from the Packers defensive backs and scoring a 42-yard touchdown. It summed up his potential: top-notch route running, navigating traffic, and showing the speed at which he could make a big play.

“Coming day in, day out and knowing you’re fighting for a spot,” Boutte told Daniels. “I feel great.”

Bill Belichick obviously took note. In addition to being added to the squad, Boutte has received compliments from Belichick.

“He didn’t do much in the spring, and as camp progressed he seemed to get stronger and more productive, both in practice and in games, basically in every area that he worked in,” Belichick told Aug. 26 Reporters “It was very encouraging and he showed explosive ability on the field when he played.”

The Patriots opted to keep six wide receivers on the roster. In addition to Boutte, New England features DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton and Demario Douglas (Matthew Slater is specifically earmarked for special teams).

And while it’s by no means an official measurement, Boutte tied with Parker and Bourne for the most receptions on competitive drills during camp at 28, according to Daniels.