3 difficult roster decisions Patriots must make before Week 1

The 2023 version of the New England Patriots will hopefully be a more stable one with clearer vision.

So far this offseason, we've heard things like Mac Jones being more locked in, his leadership showing up and the former Alabama standout taking ownership of the QB1 position. That's about as good of news as you could want from a Patriots fan's perspective.

But, aside from the quarterback position, this roster still has some questions to be answered throughout the summer.

Prior to Week 1, three key roster decisions must be made. Let's start with a guy who was once looked at as a sure fire Day 2 pick and ultimately fell to the end of Day 3.

Is Kayshon Boutte cut out to be a pro?

This year, the Patriots selected a pair of wideouts in the sixth round: LSU's Kayshon Boutte and Liberty's Demario Douglas. So far, through this offseason program and the recent minicamps, it's been Douglas who has shown more than Boutte.

Boutte's effort has been in question for quite some time, as both a college player and now as an early pro. He's put forth half-hearted effort in route running at times, and there were even reports out of The Athletic that Boutte ran the wrong route at least once a few weeks back.

The decision, here, is pretty simple: do the Patriots give him a roster spot? He just does not seem like a Bill Belichick type player, and if he doesn't turn things around quickly during training camp, he won't be around by the time Week 1 comes.

Now, his physical tools are there. If Belichick can work some magic with Boutte, he could surprise some people. But, again, does he get the chance to make the team?