WR, LSU
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 205 lbs
Class: Junior
Boutte was a highly-regarded high school prospect, earning a five-star rating and being ranked as the No. 2 wide receiver in the 2020 class. A Louisiana native, he made the decision to commit to LSU during his junior season at Westgate High School over offers from the likes of Alabama and Tennessee.
Boutte was thrust into LSU’s starting lineup as a true freshman after Ja’Marr Chase opted out in preparation for the 2021 NFL Draft. He led the team in receiving yards, doing so again as a sophomore in 2021. This was despite playing just six games as a result of a season-ending ankle injury. Boutte returned for the 2022 season,contributing 48 catches for 538 yards and two touchdowns.
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Strengths
The hype around Boutte all starts with his impressive athletic profile. He has a background as a track athlete, reportedly running a 4.37 40-yard dash in high school. He also recorded an impressive 21.29 in the 200m, and was part of a relay team that set a state record for the 4x200m. Most importantly, this speed translates to the football field. Boutte is capable of stacking and separating from defenders and has the long speed to be a legitimate three level threat at the NFL level.
Boutte’s athleticism helps to make him one of the best receivers in the class after the catch. He is quick to get upfield after completing the catch and his quick footwork often allows him to make the first defender miss. His vision as a ball carrier is also impressive, and he does an excellent job navigating tight spaces to find daylight. This resulted in Boutte forcing 30 missed tackles on his 130 career receptions. If he is able to break into the open field his breakaway speed makes him incredibly difficult to chase down.
Boutte also ticks the box when it comes to his hand usage. He showcases active hands and has no issues working outside his frame. He flashes the ability to adjust to poor ball placement on occasion. His ability to gather the ball in his stride and not sacrifice his momentum was a big reason he was so impressive after the catch. Boutte also displays excellent awareness of his footwork near the sideline and in the end zone. Whilst he could certainly impose himself better in contested situations downfield, his ball tracking ability is also very impressive.
Whilst Boutte comes with some concerns (more on those in a second), teams will no doubt be intrigued by his upside. He will still be just 20 years old on draft day. He has the size and speed you want and has shown he can perform out wide or in the slot. Boutte also shows flashes of potential when it comes to football intelligence too. He is adept at finding soft spots in zone and also flashed the ability to use subtle movements to manipulate defensive backs.
Weaknesses
The biggest concern with Boutte as a prospect will be his health. He suffered a season-ending ankle injury against Kentucky in 2021. This required surgery, and Boutte was then required to undergo a second surgery on the same injury in the offseason. When he came back in 2022 he lacked the explosiveness and suddenness he had showed as a freshman and sophomore. This, coupled with some character concerns that clouded his final year at LSU, will have a major impact in determining his draft stock.
When it comes to his on field profile, Boutte is still clearly still developing as a technician. He lacks much in the way of nuance as a route runner. This limits his ability to create separation on plays where he can’t simply rely on his long speed. Whilst he has flashed the ability to manipulate defenders throughout the route, he’s not doing it nearly often enough.
Bottom Line
Boutte has the size and speed you want in an NFL receiver and is a dynamic weapon with the ball in his hands. That said, there are some major concerns that cloud his evaluation, most notably surrounding his health and character. If he can get these in check he has the potential to be a plus contributor at the NFL level.
Ideal role: Big slot receiver
Round projection: 3rd round
