Sportsnaut
The New England Patriots set out to reshape their receiving room this offseason. Part of that process included moving on from Stefon Diggs, who has yet to find a new team, but proclaims himself to be the best No. 2 receiver in football. Well, last year the Patriots were asking him to be their No. 1. But that job now belongs to trade acquisition A.J. Brown.
Behind Brown, the Patriots also upgraded the receiver depth chart by signing Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract to be the team’s new No. 2 receiver. Yet, despite the new additions, it’s actually one of the Patriots’ holdover receivers from last season who’s been making standout plays early on in training camp.
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Patriots training camp has only been underway since July 23, so veterans haven’t had a plethora of opportunities to make an impression on the coaching staff. Yet, fourth-year receiver Kayshon Boutte has been maximizing his chances so far.
According to ESPN’s Patriots insider Mike Reiss, Boutte has been the one delivering “highlight plays” on offense thus far.
Patriots veterans also raved about Boutte’s performance early on. Safety Kevin Byard acknowledged Boutte’s ability to be a playmaker on deep passing concepts, and he got some praise from a fellow receiver too.
If Boutte can elevate his play even further this season, it could be a very positive development for the Patriots’ offense. He’s already posted back-to-back 500-yard campaigns, which is an impressive feat for a former sixth-round pick.
Yet, it’s possible the 24-year-old is ready to take another, more significant leap in his development. If so, the Patriots could suddenly have a fairly strong receiver group, led by Brown, Doubs, and a new-and-improved Boutte.
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