New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is trying to put away narratives from last season. The second-year man out of LSU shows glimpses of potential. Regardless, knowing that consistent output is the best path toward ensuring security on this team. He showcases dazzling ability that gets fans excited. But for now, being one of 53 selected at the end of the preseason process is far from certainty. The Louisiana native knows that continually putting together a string of good tape is the only option.
A lot of players will say this, but deep down, everyone at this level believes that they should be getting more touches even if they are at the top of the depth chart. Consequently, this makes his latest interaction with reporters somewhat refreshing. It’s not that he’s saying the right things, but so far under the new regime of Jerod Mayo, Boutte is also walking the walk. While speaking with the Patriots media on Sunday, he offered his insight when asked about the nature of competing for a final roster spot:
I feel like we all fighting for a job, but is not a doubt in my mind that I’m not 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.
It’s the second part of this statement that deserves greater attention. A lot of athletes work hard. In fact, many people in the organization and throughout the team work hard. However, for the effort to truly stand out, it must surpass the average level of others. That is to say, at this level, most have a professional gym routine and take advantage of years of experience in coaching at this level. Therefore, it takes more than just putting in the hours in order to be great, let alone make the game-day pamphlet.
Long hours of film sessions and practice time are simply what’s needed to earn an opportunity to take the field on Sunday. So when someone lauds their ability to outpace and outgrind, what it needs to mean is that they are going above and beyond what even the storied ‘hard workers’ are undertaking on a daily basis.
A Lot on the Line for Kayshon Boutte
This is why the second half of Boutte’s quote shows this deeper level of understanding. Saying that he’s willing to do more indicates that he knows what it’s going to take. This acknowledges that anything up to this point could easily be for nothing. Consistency and at least matching the level of output from the average starters is essential. By indicating that he’s going to do more, he recognizes this fact. It shows a determination to put himself in a position to force a tough decision from the coaching staff. Even on a wide receiving corps that is viewed as one of the worst, tough decisions will be made.
But if he continues to show great play and, most importantly, a lack of dropped passes, then with each snap in practice or in one of the upcoming preseason games, he’ll inch his name that much higher in the minds of those who will have the final call. Finally, it’s unknown what new offensive coordinator, Alex Van Pelt, will emphasize. It’s his first stint in charge of the offense with the Patriots.
Therefore, it’s hard to say what could give someone an edge on cut-day. Remaining in the good graces of Coach Mayo and staying in good internal conversations. The type that happens all the time throughout NFL buildings. If he keeps it up, then Kayshon Boutte should be able to comfortably suit up against the Cincinnati Bengals on opening day.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
