May 30, 2025

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte was, at times, the team's best receiver. By the end of the season, he had developed a noteworthy rapport with quarterback Drake Maye, finishing the year with 16 receptions, 240 yards, and three TDs over his final three games. It was good enough for 16.7 fantasy points per game and a 17-game pace of 91 catches for 1,360 yards and 11 TDs. However, the Patriots' offseason overhaul has been dramatic, and most of that change appears to be working against Boutte. New England invested Day 2 draft capital in Washington State University WR Kyle Williams. The Washington State product brings an element of speed that has been sorely lacking in the greater Foxborough region and is projected to play mainly on the boundary, where Boutte lined up for 85.6% of his snaps in 2024, per PFF. They also committed a guaranteed $26 million to Stefon Diggs, who had a 23.7% target share during his eight games with the Houston Texans last season and hasn't seen a sub-20% target share since 2017. Additionally, New England added Mack Hollins early in free agency. It will see Kendrick Bourne one more year removed from his ACL tear, both of whom have experienced their best seasons under returning offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Considering McDaniels' tendency to alter game plans at a moment's notice, it will be challenging to trust any Patriots pass catcher, let alone a sixth-round pick learning his third system in three years. As such, Boutte should remain undrafted in all but the deepest league formats (RotoBaller WR83) or the rare best ball exposure if stacking with Maye.--McGrumble - RotoBaller