Patriots: NFLPA makes unexpected choice for rookie premiere event
The New England Patriots made 12 selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, but only one of their picks was invited to the NFL Players Association Rookie Premiere event. Despite taking six players in the first four rounds, the Patriots’ lone invitee is 187th overall pick in the sixth round, LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, per […]
The New England Patriots made 12 selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, but only one of their picks was invited to the NFL Players Association Rookie Premiere event.
Despite taking six players in the first four rounds, the Patriots’ lone invitee is 187th overall pick in the sixth round, LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, per NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero via an NFL Management Council memo to teams. Boutte was the Patriots’ eighth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Here’s the full list of rookies invited to the event:
There are only three defenders and no offensive linemen or specialists on that list. New England spent their first three picks on defenders, and their next four on offensive linemen and a kicker. Boutte was the first offensive skill-position player selected by New England.
Here’s how the NFLPA describes the Rookie Premiere:
“NFLPA Rookie Premiere provides partners with unmatched access to 40 of the NFL's newest stars at their first major business and marketing event following the NFL Draft. This is one of the most valuable opportunities available to NFLPA partners because it's the first time to connect directly with professional football's most promising and marketable young players–all in one place—and build content and relationships that extend into the season and beyond.”
Boutte could be attractive to marketing agents. He was a five-star recruit, went to a major SEC school, and just a year ago was considered a potential top-10 pick. His 2022 season was a slight disappointment, however, and combined with some off-field issues and a poor NFL Scouting Combine, he dropped in the draft all the way to the sixth round.
A source described Boutte as a low-probability, high-upside pick by the Patriots. He flashed first-round talent as the fastest LSU wide receiver to 100 catches. But there’s certainly some risk that comes along with the selection. It’s smart to take risks in the sixth round, however.
One would think No. 17 overall pick Christian Gonzalez would also appeal from a business and marketing perspective given the recent success of rookie cornerbacks. He'll just have to prove his players union wrong this season.
Featured image via Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
