3 Patriots Draft Busts Who Could Be Cut This Offseason

3. Kayshon Boutte, wide receiver

When you start to look at Patriots draft picks in recent years who could qualify for "bust" status, the list is honestly pretty slim.

That's a testament to the Patriots' scouting department, but like I said earlier, it's also a testament to the fact that this team has been ruthless about getting rid of guys who have not rather quickly lived up to their NFL Draft status.

2021 Draft

• 1st round: Mac Jones, QB (traded)
• 2nd round: Christian Barmore, DL (extended)
• 3rd round: Ronnie Perkins, EDGE (cut, poached by Broncos)

2022 Draft

• 1st round: Cole Strange, OL (starter, injured)
• 2nd round: Tyquan Thornton, WR (in danger of being cut/traded)
• 3rd round: DB/KR/WR Marcus Jones (All-Pro as a rookie, coming off injury in 2023)

2023 Draft

• 1st round: Christian Gonzalez, CB (expected to breakout in 2024)
• 2nd round: Keion White, EDGE (getting good reviews at OTAs)
• 3rd round: Marte Mapu, DB (possible breakout candidate in 2024)

When you try to go back any further, the Patriots have already dealt with most of their high draft picks one way or the other. There's not really any dead weight on this team. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte was expected to go a lot higher than the 6th round of last year's draft, but he's going to be competing for his roster life this coming season with a plethora of other really underwhelming options at receiver for the Patriots.

In other words, it's sink or swim time for the former LSU star. Boutte could ultimately wind up being one of the better weapons on this Patriots roster but he appeared in just five games as a rookie. If he's not focused on football, he could flame out of the league rather quickly.

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