The Jacksonville Jaguars spent the most guaranteed money in NFL free-agency history, but despite that, fans knew they wouldn’t be able to address all of their needs at once. One decision they made that has been heavily debated was addressing the need at receiver by paying Christian Kirk a four-year deal worth $72 million as many in the football community aren’t sure he’s No. 1 receiver material.
This has resulted in many 2023 mock drafts slotting the Jags a receiver early. Specifically, some have slotted the Jags Louisiana State star Kayshon Boutte, who has a first round grade currently and is entering his junior season with the Tigers.
It appears Pro Football Focus may eventually be onboard with this logic when looking at their 2023 prospect evaluations. In fact, on their list of prospects each team should watch, they attached Boutte’s name to the Jags as it’s unclear if the Jags have a No. 1 on the team to take Trevor Lawrence’s career to the next level.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: WR KAYSHON BOUTTE, LSU
The Jaguars are still missing that Alpha No. 1 receiver Trevor Lawrence can rely on to get open when he sees man coverage across the board. Boutte is precisely that. The 6-foot, 205-pound receiver has instant acceleration off the line of scrimmage and after the catch. He’s the kind of weapon that strikes fear in defensive coordinators.
Boutte certainly would be a fun player to add to the mix for the Jags next season. Like another receiver who once played for the LSU Tigers, Boutte has similar ability after the catch to Odell Beckham Jr., which would be a fun element to add to Doug Pederson and Press Taylor’s scheme.
Before fans can begin to imagine him in the Jags offense, though, Boutte has a challenging road up ahead to prove he’s first round material. In October of last season, it was announced that he’d be shut down for the season due to an ankle injury that required surgery. He also missed spring training due to the injury requiring a second surgery, but he was spotted without a Walking boot last month which is a good sign.
With him not being able to play a full season, Boutte finished 2021 with 38 catches for 509 yards and nine touchdowns. However, if he’s back to 100% it will be interesting to see if he improves those numbers to remain a Round 1 pick like the draft analysts around the nation believe.
