The New England Patriots finally took a wide receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft, but it didn't happen until the sixth round Saturday.
The Patriots selected LSU wideout Kayshon Boutte with the No. 187 overall pick. It's a pick they acquired from the Carolina Panthers in the 2021 trade involving veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
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Boutte is primarily a slot receiver. He tallied 48 receptions for 538 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games for LSU last season. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick got an up-close look at Boutte during the Tigers' Pro Day in late March.
Boutte didn't test well at the NFL Scouting Combine and his effort level was a concern at times. He was projected to be a first-round pick last year but his stock dropped after an underwhelming 2022 season with LSU. He's very much a boom or bust prospect, but there's definitely intriguing talent there, so he's worth the risk with one of the Patriots' four sixth-round picks.
The Patriots love drafting players from the SEC, but Boutte is just the fourth LSU player selected by Belichick since 2005.