It wasn't the landing spot many expected for the LSU star wide receiver, but Kayshon Boutte's NFL draft slide ended in the 6th round with the New England Patriots.
Boutte was once considered a premier prospect and still holds the Tigers' single-game receiving record (308 yards vs Ole Miss in 2020), but injuries, limited production and a less than impressive offseason workout slate likely contributed to the fall.
Boutte had initially announced he'd return for another season in Baton Rouge before abruptly changing course early in the offseason. He finished his Tigers career with 131 catches for 1,782 yards and 16 touchdowns.
It's fitting that Boutte's slide ends with the Patriots, a franchise that has never been shy about taking chances on players -- particularly at the WR spot -- where others might not. Head coach Bill Belichick also got a good look at Boutte up close as he was in attendance at LSU's Pro Day in March.
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Boutte joined LSU teammates G Anthony Bradford (108, Seahawks), safety Jay Ward (134, Vikings) and DT Jaquelin Roy (141, Vikings) and DB Jarrick Bernard-Converse (204, Jets) as Day 3 selections. BJ Ojulari was also selected in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals at No. 41 overall.
The 2023 draft marked the first time since 2018 that the Tigers did not have a first round selection. The program is likely to get back on track next season with star DT Maason Smith draft eligible, along with QB Jayden Daniels, who could vastly improve his draft stock during one more season at LSU.