Kayshon Boutte NFL Draft Overview
Position: Wide receiver
Height: 5’-11”
Weight: 195 Pounds
School: LSU
2023 NFL Draft Kayshon Boutte Scouting Report
LSU has had some phenomenal prospects in recent memory, yet the one that broke the single game receiving yard record seems to have some doubters. Kayshon Boutte had an electric start to his career, looking to be following in the footsteps of Odell Beckham Jr., Justin Jefferson, and Ja’Marr Chase. An injury in his sophomore season however has caused some to question whether he will return to his prior status as a gamebreaker.
A five star recruit homegrown in Louisiana, it’s no wonder why Boutte had his eyes set on attending LSU. While Chase opted out of 2020 due to COVID, Kayshon Boutte took full advantage of the opportunity. Boutte spent most of his time in the slot but flashed his ability to get yards after the catch including a game for the ages against Ole Miss. Boutte caught 14 balls, for three touchdowns as well as setting the SEC record with 305 receiving yards in a game. The following season with Chase gone, Boutte would truly step into his role as the alpha dog in the receiver room.
In only six games Boutte never caught less than four balls, was held under seventy yards only twice, as well catching an impressive nine touchdowns. An injured ankle unfortunately ended his breakout season. As his road to recovery was tough requiring two surgeries on the ankle, he was ready to go by next season. In his final season, Kayshon Boutte only had three games in which he failed to get at least four catches, and netted over 100 yards receiving twice. While his declaration for the draft after the season may come as a surprise to some, perhaps Boutte acknowledges the importance of striking while the iron is hot.
Strengths:
- Set the SEC record for receiving yards in a single game with 305 against Ole Miss;
- May not have burner speed but is great getting yards after the catch;
- Knack for staying in quarterbacks field of vision when the play breaks down;
- Despite only playing six games in 2021 prior to his injury, his production was encouraging;
- Earned the right to switch his number from one to seven like several LSU playmakers before him.
Weaknesses:
- Ankle injury required two surgeries; some may still have questions about overall durability;
- Appears to have lost a step after injury, tape from Pro Day looks bad;
- Needs to be better with his hands, especially with contested catches;
- Lacks elite speed you would want from a top tier receiver, ran a 4.5 40 at the Combine;
- His exit from LSU may raise questions about off the field issues;
- Room to grow on his release off the line of scrimmage if he wants to succeed at the next level, prone to getting jammed.
NFL Comparison: Christian Kirk
Teams With A Need: Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints
Projection: Fourth Round
Bottom Line on Kayshon Boutte
Kayshon Boutte may not be a day one starter in the NFL, but attending what is largely considered the wide receiver factory of college football should encourage some teams. In a rites of passage in his final season he was allowed to change his number from one to seven. At LSU this happens but not just for anyone, you have to earn it. The respect that his teammates have for him to do this speaks to his ability and leadership. While his injury may scare away some teams, the upside is still there. With some patience and some proper coaching, the team that comes away with Boutte could hit the jackpot.
Main Image: John David Mercer – USA TODAY Sports
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