June is finally here, and the New England Patriots began the new month by resuming their annual organized team activities (OTAs). This year's OTAs have been crucial as head coach Mike Vrabel continues to lead the franchise into a new era, and most reports stemming from the first week of OTAs indicate the Patriots are trending in the right direction.
Although some Patriots already have their 53-man roster spots secured as OTAs continue, others are still fighting to prove they belong in Vrabel's plans. That includes one disappointing wide receiver who clearly knows that his OTA performance could make or break his future in Foxborough.
Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte Knows Roster Spot Isn't Safe Amid OTAs
Third-year WR Kayshon Boutte is one Patriot with an uncertain outlook. The former LSU Tiger made it clear to ESPN's Mike Reiss that he can't afford to take his foot off the gas this offseason, even if it's only for a second.
"We got 12 of us [now]. At the end of the day, there will probably be six of us if we're being honest," Boutte said. "So we all know we're in competition."
Boutte is right to realize that making this year's roster won't be as easy as it was in previous offseasons. The Patriots' WR room features a handful of new faces that could bump returning players down the depth chart. Veteran playmakers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins were signed in free agency before New England used April's 69th overall selection on former Washington State playmaker Kyle Williams.
With a trio of talented new faces to deal with, Boutte must find a way to capitalize on his pre-existing connection with quarterback Drake Maye. The New Iberia, LA native played well after Maye took over the starting QB role in Week 6, recording 39 receptions for 542 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the Patriots' final 12 games.
For reference, that translates to a 55-768-4 stat line for a 17-game season. If Boutte can prove to his coaches that he's capable of being that sort of player throughout the rest of the offseason, he could be in the mix for any of the WR3/4/5 jobs.
Most players are under a microscope at this point in the offseason, and Boutte isn't an exception. His outlook with the Patriots will hinge on the coming months, leaving it up to him to prove if he can handle the pressure or be forced to continue his NFL career elsewhere.