The New England Patriots have a fierce position battle brewing during training camp at the wide receiver position. And while he’s not exactly the first name fans are looking at, Kayshon Boutte is making waves at training camp, according to one team insider.
In a bigger role with the Patriots last year, Boutte caught 43 passes for 589 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. He wasn’t a consistent presence in the passing game, but Boutte showed off his potential at times last season, which earned him an opportunity to fight for a roster spot this year.
Boutte is among a group of players competing for what could only end up being two or three roster spots. And while other names draw more attention than him, Taylor Kyles of CLNS believes that his “consistent” summer could serve Boutte well in his quest to make the 53-man roster.
“The story with him has been the inconsistency,” Kyles said on “Patriots Daily Podcast.” “He’ll make a really nice play, but then it feels like, whether due to effort or just kind of a mental fart, he’ll have a mistake. This has been easily his most consistent summer.”
Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Demario Douglas and Kyle Williams are viewed as roster locks at wide receiver, meaning there could only be one or two other spots at this position up for grabs.
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Boutte is competing with the likes of Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker and Efton Chism III for a roster spot. While he may not be the flashiest option of that group, his consistency is earning him some recognition as training camp unfolds.
At some point, the Patriots are likely going to have to make a decision on Boutte’s future. If he ends up getting boxed out of the roster competition, he could get traded, or the team could simply cut bait and decide to release him.
However, it seems like this could come down to the wire, as Boutte is making things difficult on the coaching staff. He will look to continue to make a case for a roster spot this week when New England suits up for their first preseason contest against the Washington Commanders on Friday.
