New England Patriots Select LSU WR Kayshon Boutte No. 187 Overall

Boutte hears his name called after falling to Day 3 of the NFL Draft, heads to New England to begin his career.

LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte decided to skip his senior year in Baton Rouge and declare for the 2023 NFL Draft, and after sliding to a Day 3 selection, the former All-American receiver has heard his name called. Boutte has been selected in Round 6 with the No. 187 overall pick by the New England Patriots. 

Boutte burst onto the scene as a freshman in Death Valley and carried his success into his sophomore campaign. In year two with the Tigers, he reeled in 38 catches for 509 receiving yards and nine touchdowns despite missing most of the season with an ankle injury.

Fast forward to his junior campaign in 2022, expectations were high with first round draft pick or bust narratives on his shoulders.

Boutte took over at times, totaling 48 catches for 538 yards and two touchdowns with LSU winning the SEC West, but his lack of explosiveness and drive had scouts questioning his NFL Draft stock.

The Bayou Bengals’ WR1 handled business, but after weak NFL Combine numbers and a lackluster LSU Pro Day, his stock plummeted from a first rounder to Day 3 pick.

Here are Boutte’s numbers from the NFL Combine:

40-yard dash (unofficial times) - 4.50 on his first attempt and 4.67 on his second attempt

Vertical Jump - 29” (second percentile)

Broad Jump - 108” (32nd percentile)

The unofficial times were certainly alarming, and at LSU’s Pro Day many expected him to take part in testing drills, but Boutte decided not to.

Boutte took part in on-field drills where he worked with LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels during Pro Day. The former LSU stud went through a variation of routes, showing off his quick feet, while showing his skill set in front of NFL reps.

Now, all the noise and chatter is behind the LSU star as he prepares for his professional journey with the Patriots. A player with tremendous upside, New England is certainly getting a value pick with Boutte on Day 3.