Kayshon Boutte’s improved work ethic leading to new role in Patriots offense

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte opened his sophomore season buried on the depth chart. Less than two months into the season however, Boutte has carved out a legit role in the wide receiver room.

Earlier this week, head coach Jerod Mayo noted that Boutte is one of the Patriots' top three wide receivers. That showed against Houston, as the 22-year-old tied a career-high 55 offensive snaps — the most among any New England wide receiver — in which he caught three passes for 59 yards and his first career touchdown.

"He's a guy that we were not, I wouldn't say down on, but we didn't see him as a starter early through camp, and as he continued to work I think the biggest thing with Boutte was the way he approached practice," offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said Thursday.

"He really put his hard hat on and went out and did great work, not just for us, but also for the scout team. His attitude was excellent. He wanted to get on the field. He earned the right to do that. I'm so proud of him for his perseverance. We were on him early, and he responded well, so it's good to see him having some productivity."

Boutte's work behind the scenes — which included earning one of New England's practice player of the week honors after Week 1 — has led to his increased role. Despite not seeing the field in the season opener before being a healthy inactive back in Week 2, the receiver continued to impress on the practice field and in meeting rooms.

"He took an energy shift," fellow wide receiver Kendrick Bourne said Thursday. "He took an attitude shift to where 'I'm going to be on the field this year. There's no doubt in my mind that I'm going to make the team.' ... He's so locked in. He knows the playbook really well."

"Just to see his work-ethic from last year to this year. And the character that he is, he changed," DeMario Douglas added this week. "Just changing, his work ethic is different now. It shows on the field."

A former five-star recruit out of high school, Boutte was once a projected top pick in the NFL Draft before falling to the sixth-round after dealing with injuries and other off-field issues at LSU. Talent has never been an issue for Boutte, which is now on display as he's earned a bigger role.

"I think it's his route-running ability. He has a knack for separating in man coverage," Van Pelt said when asked what Boutte does well. "I think he's a good start-and-stop guy, and obviously he can go deep — saw that in the game the other day.

"And his ball skills. He catches the ball very clean. I can't even remember a drop he's had in our time together. So, very good ball skills and creating separation at the top of his route."