It's the second week of Patriots training camp, and the team has dealt with some pleasant surprises that nobody could have predicted. Besides the consistently impressive showing from the defense, the offense has been smoother than it has been in years, which is a fortunate development for Drake Maye going into his second year as the starting quarterback.
He will have a lot more weaponry to work with this time around, with the additions of Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency and Kyle Williams from this year's draft. But then he will also have a few returning players to continue building chemistry with, such as Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas, both of whom have been impressing so far this summer.
Douglas was expected to thrive in Josh McDaniels' system, so his training camp rise isn't entirely shocking, but Boutte has been, at least to those who had already written him off as a likely cut or trade candidate this year.
Based on his apparent connection with Maye and how much he is being used in practice, there's good reason to believe he's not going anywhere before the 2025 season begins.
Kayshon Boutte might already be a lock to make the Patriots roster
Besides being heavily involved in the practice plan in training camp thus far, Boutte had an extra impressive day during Monday's first padded practice.
Boutte went 2-for-2 over Christian Gonzalez during red zone drills, which caught the attention of analysts and fans in attendance, since the cornerback is considered the best on the team and among the best at the position in the league.
Kayshon Boutte did work on Christian Gonzalez a couple times in one-on-ones, and not with BS moves that you can't run in a game. Impressive.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) July 28, 2025
It was a continuation of what Boutte accomplished during his second season last year, as he recorded 43 receptions for 589 yards and three touchdowns. That was quite a jump from his rookie production, totaling just two catches for 19 yards in 2023.
We finally saw why he was highly regarded going into the draft, even if he fell into the Patriots' laps in the sixth round. Boutte was previously considered a first-round talent, but his mediocre final season at LSU tarnished his reputation around the league, leading to him not being selected until pick No. 187.
He has a lot of potential to be the kind of player the Patriots need and want for the offense moving forward, and he could very easily have an increased role in McDaniels' offense. Stefon Diggs and Kyle Williams will likely see the most snaps, along with DeMario Douglas, but there's reason to believe Boutte will be right up there with them as the season progresses.
It's clear that Maye will have numerous options to utilize this season, which should enable him to put together an impressive season and solidify himself as the franchise quarterback the team believes he can be. Boutte can be a significant reason for that, as his chemistry with the quarterback continues to build.