There’s no denying that [autotag]Kayshon Boutte[/autotag] had a disappointing season in 2022.
Coming off an ankle injury that cut his 2021 season — which was shaping up to be a phenomenal one — short, Boutte returned to LSU this fall expected to be one of the nation’s top receivers.
That’s not exactly how things played out. He finished second on the team in receiving but had just 538 yards and two touchdowns on 48 catches. He had moments, but he wasn’t the dominant player many expected him to be, and quarterback [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] developed a stronger connection with [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag].
Boutte — who entered the year as a projected first-round pick — initially made the surprising decision to return to LSU in 2023, but he later reversed course and declared for the draft, opting out of the Citrus Bowl. While Boutte’s draft stock took a hit this season, he’s a first-round pick to the Cowboys at No. 26 in the latest mock from Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar.
If there’s one thing we learned in Dallas’ 2022 season, and certainly in their 19-12 divisional round loss to the 49ers, it’s that this offense cannot live on CeeDee Lamb and a bunch of roleplayers alone. That showed up a lot in Dak Prescott’s more interception-prone moments, and it’s time for Prescott to have more help both outside and in the slot. Boutte’s stock dropped a bit due to a slow start to the 2022 season, but he turned it on just fine as things progressed. His six-catch, 107-yard game against Georgia in the SEC Championship game allowed Boutte to show how he can house just about any route against a great defense.
Boutte would certainly give Dallas another premium weapon, though it would admittedly be a bit surprising to see him go this high after the season he had. The talent is undeniable, but the production could be seen as a red flag.
Regardless, Boutte is a talented receiver who shouldn’t last long in April’s NFL draft.
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