Fringe receiver confident he'll make Patriots roster after preseason performance

The Patriots got their first glimpse at their current roster last week when they welcomed the Carolina Panthers to Gillette Stadium for their preseason opener. Jerod Mayo planned to give nearly every player available an opportunity to play in the game, and he delivered on that promise last Thursday night.

Despite the long list of new players to watch, the focus remained on the offense. From the rookie quarterbacks and wide receivers to the offensive line, all eyes were on the roster's most problematic and struggling part.

Fortunately, many players performed at a high level, with some seemingly solidifying their spot on the 2024 team. Some of the most discussed were wide receivers. Kayshon Boutte stood out the most, as he had some impressive catches during the several series Bailey Zappe was in at quarterback.

Although the receiver added a few forgettable drops later in the game, his performance moved him up the list of players who need good performances to make the team this year. It set the bar high for the remaining two preseason games, and if he can replicate his performance against the Panthers, there's no reason to believe Boutte won't be.

It was a performance that many fans got excited about, as Boutte was labeled a steal of the 2023 draft because he had previously been projected as a first-rounder.

He wasn't able to showcase all he could do as a rookie, with most weeks being spent on the bench as a healthy scratch, but with the new regime in place and better quarterback play, he will have a real shot to prove what he can do for the team moving forward, something he plans to do as he feels confident he will make the team.

Kayshon Boutte has no doubt about making the Patriots 2024 roster

Given how packed the Patriots receiver room is, it will not be easy for any player beyond the expected top four to make the team. Beyond Javon Baker, Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, and Ja'Lynn Polk, the roster is open for two or three more receivers, with seven players competing for those spots.

Boutte certainly improved his chances after stringing together a few good practices during training camp and an impressive showing in the Week 1 preseason game. Because of that, he shared his belief that he will make the team this year, while also emphasizing how hard he's working to make sure that happens.

"I feel like we’re all fighting for a job, but there’s not a doubt in my mind that I’m going to make the team. I feel like I’m doing everything that I’m supposed to to make the team. I feel like I’m going to do more as time goes on."

With the Patriots hoping to build a young offense and run their receiving corps through the draft, having Boutte become an integral part of their offense would be an unexpected but welcomed development.

His college tape shows the type of player he can be, and if he can build upon what he did in preseason, there's a good chance he will be a solid weapon for Drake Maye as soon as this season.

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