5 receivers the Patriots could have drafted instead of Kayshon Boutte

A.T. Perry

Perry was the 195th pick of the draft, and he’s been excellent value in New Orleans. The Saints offense has a rather up-and-down season. But when Perry has been on the active roster, they won 6 games and lost just 4. He caught 12 of his 18 targets during the regular season, and 4 were scoring passes.

A 6 feet 5-inch receiver comes in very useful in the red zone. His first touchdown reception was from a Jameis Winston pass that few receivers could have come down with. 

Xavier Hutchinson

Depending on your perspective, Hutchinson has either flattered to deceive or looked extremely promising with limited opportunities. He was taken with the Texans’ second pick in the 6th round. At 6 feet 3 inches tall and 205 lbs., he has a bigger body than Boutte, and he’s made that size tell.

He averaged 10.7 yards per touch. He had just 13 touches, though, but 5 of those touches were rushing attempts. And he is tough to tackle when he runs the ball.