A talented playmaker who exploded onto the scene in 2021 before an unfortunate injury stole his season, LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte will look to prove his success was not a fluke as he enters into the 2023 NFL draft.
Here is everything you need to know about the Tigers’ dynamo:
Vitals
Height: 5-11
Weight: 195
Class: Junior
40 time: 4.5
Strengths
A receiver that many thought would build upon his incredible 2021 season that was taken away from him by injury, Kayshon Boutte failed to expand upon his dominance this last year. In just six games with the team during his breakout season, he had nine touchdowns and over 500 yards, on just 38 catches before an ankle injury took him out for the year. Boutte followed up that season with an albeit disappointing 538 yards on 48 catches, with just two touchdowns. An obvious slide in production, and a far cry from what he showed on tape the previous year.
Boutte possesses an excellent size and speed combination to hold the potential to be a successful receiver at the next level, his ability to beat a defender over the top or be a menace underneath with his borderline elite yards after catch ability cannot be understated. Once the ball is in his hands he looks like a running back in his cutting ability, power, and vision. Able to churn up the field, and make splash plays inside or on screen passes, which Boutte was give quite often in the LSU offense.
A clean route runner, Boutte excels in sinking his hips and exploding at the top of the route, or selling deep before cutting inside without losing much momentum. He does a good job locating the football in his routes and excels at adjusting his body to make more acrobatic catches, while maintaining balance to add in additional chunk yardage post catch. Boutte shows clear ‘X’ receiver potential and has enough speed to scare defenders on the front or back end.
Weaknesses
Some problematic drops littered Kayshon Boutte’s final season with the team, and brought some need for better catching technique and instincts. Down the field Boutte often allows the ball to fall into his pads instead of grasping with strong hands, or would lose concentration into the catch while trying to plan ahead before first forming a catch. Coaches will be insistent on correcting this right away before he has a shot of seeing the field, and will likely be spending a lot of time on the jugs machine early.
There is also serious concern about Boutte’s health given he has had two surgeries on his right ankle. Not only as a reinjury factor, but it was clear he lost some of his burst during his last season as well. It’s hard to say if it will remain a lingering problem in any sense, and will be up to medical staff to clear Boutte completely to not ding his draft stock.
Projection
Kayshon Boutte has the mold and makings of a true number one wide receiver in this league, there are just some serious concerns that come alongside it. He is seriously good as a physical run after catch machine, and can still beat corners deep with excellent size and speed. Boutte’s injury history, poor combine showing, and drops may ultimately hold him back from being among the first receivers picked, and the injuries alone could wipe him off some team’s boards. The team that does clear Boutte’s injuries and takes a chance on the playmaker will be hoping for a glimpse of that 2021 season, where he looked like the best receiver in college football.
Projection: Second Round Pick
