The Patriots' offense needed significant upgrades this offseason, with an emphasis on the receiving corps after another poor performance all around last year. That led Mike Vrabel and Co. to sign Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency and select Kyle Williams in this year's draft. They also have clearly struck gold with UDFA Efton Chism, who has nicely rounded out a crowded roster.
There was some hope that second-year pass catchers Javon Baker and Ja'Lynn Polk would rise on the depth chart and prove that their rookie seasons were just an outlier, but we're still (unfortunately) waiting to see that.
However, the continued success of Kayshon Boutte has been notable, especially after a second season in 2024 that saw him record 43 receptions for 589 yards and three touchdowns.
His performance during training camp has stood out, and he has strung together some of the best plays of the day throughout the summer. That has apparently impressed his coaching staff, too, so much so that even GM Eliot Wolf had to rave about him ahead of Monday's practice.
Eliot Wolf on #Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) August 18, 2025
“I’m very proud of [him]… Really I just can’t speak enough about what Kayshon has done. He can play all 3 positions, he blocks, he’s good with the ball in his hands, he’s strong, and he’s really becoming a pro here in year 3.”
📈📈📈 pic.twitter.com/tgVRvWEP4r
Kayshon Boutte might become the hidden gem on the Patriots' offense this year
With the emphasis on the offense over the past few months, the Patriots have been fortunate to have a wide receiver room that has turned out.
From Diggs looking like a clear WR1, and even DeMario Douglas nearly competiing with him for that role, and Mack Hollins being the big body player last year's corps lacked to Chism appearing to be a secret weapon that could put the group over the top, Vrabel and Co. couldn't have done a better job at accomplishing the near impossible with the offense.
On top of it all is the impressive streak of Boutte, who has been a consistent highlight during practice. Although he hasn't been discussed as much as someone like Chism, it's clear he's made a positive impact on the team and has grown tremendously over the past year, as Wolf mentioned.
Based on his assertion, there's reason to believe that Boutte could be a starter come Week 1, and that's exactly what Drake Maye needs to help elevate his game going into a very telling year two.
Boutte is on track to be that player and could easily round out the offensive roster. It already appears as though he will be on the 2025 team, rightfully so, making it a bit more exciting to see what he might be able to do with a talented quarterback, a highly regarded offensive coordinator, and an offensive line that finally blocks correctly.