2 min read • February 27, 2023
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Kayshon Boutte was supposed to be a game-breaking athlete similar to his predecessors, Jamar Chase and Justin Jefferson. But his time at LSU didn’t go as planned, with the WR suffering a severe ankle injury, having tension with his coaches and never having over a 1,000 yards.
On Oct. 9th, 2021, Boutte sustained a right ankle fracture with ligament damage on a sideline catch in Week 6, which required him to miss the rest of the 2021 season. The severe ankle injury required two surgeries, but Boutte was cleared ahead of fall camp.
According to the Pro Football Docs, Boutte’s right ankle fracture should be healed, but he must pass medical checks at the combine.
During his first five games after returning from injury, he had 17 receptions for 130 yards and one touchdown while averaging 7.6 yards per catch. He didn’t even have a game over 50 yards receiving. In the next six games, Boutte would look more comfortable.
He had 31 receptions for 408 yards and one touchdown while averaging 13.2 yards per catch. Boutte had two games over 100 yards in this span, including one against Georgia.
According to PFF, Boutte is in the 10th percentile vs. zone coverage, 13th percentile in separation vs. single coverage, and 20th percentile in yards per route run.
This would suggest that Boutte struggles to separate in one-on-one coverage and might be relegated to a slot-only role in the NFL.
In March, Boutte was called out by LSU coach Brian Kelly for being absent during spring practices and not embracing his role as a leader. The reports and rumors about the tension between Boutte and his coaches continued through the season.
Boutte is a polarizing prospect with many red flags, but his combine performance could change everything for him.
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