Patriots

Kayshon Boutte's place on New England's roster is anything but secure next season.

Even though the Patriots decided to release JuJu Smith-Schuster on Friday, Boutte still has an extended technique to go relating to standing out amongst the big group of receivers.

The first surefire candidates for this pass-catching team should include rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, newly signed free agent KJ Osborn, veteran Kendrick Bourne and second-year pro DeMario Douglas.

But though some spots on the roster are already filled, Boutte seemed confident on Sunday when asked about his probabilities of making the squad this fall.

“I feel like we’re all fighting for a job, but I have no doubt that I’ll make the team,” said Boutte. “I feel like I'm doing everything I'm supposed to do to make the team. I feel like I'll do even more as time goes on.”

Boutte is probably going still battling with Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Reagor for a spot on New England's roster, although New England could also open up one other spot if Bourne needs additional time to rest and recuperate while rehabbing a torn ACL.

Boutte took a step in the appropriate direction last week with a powerful performance in New England's season opener against the Panthers on Thursday, recording three catches for 53 yards in his team's 17-3 victory.

Boutte's running style has been consistently impressive over the past two training camps, resulting in the 2023 sixth-round pick from LSU being added to New England's roster last season. Although the 22-year-old wide receiver only had two catches for 19 yards last season, continued strong performance during preseason could earn him more playing time in a while.

“Training camp is going great,” Boutte said. “Competing every day. Stacking days after days. Just day after day, chance after chance.”

New England's decision to focus on a pass catcher like Boutte within the 2023 NFL Draft was based on his potential – Boutte recorded 83 catches for 1,243 yards and 14 touchdowns in the primary 16 games of his college profession.

A lackluster 2022 season with the Tigers has somewhat hurt his probabilities within the draft, but a young receiver like Boutte definitely has what it takes.

Boutte enters his second yr within the NFL and isn't fearful about expectations or where he might find yourself on the skilled roster – whether it's with the Patriots or potentially some other place if he comes up short within the annual numbers game.

“You see a lot in the media about expectations and stuff like that. … I don't like to create expectations, I just like to go out and play,” Boutte said.