Former LSU star receiver Kayshon Boutte struggles at NFL Combine
By John Fye
The 2023 NFL Combine wrapped up on Sunday in Indianapolis. Unfortunately, former LSU Tigers star Kayshon Boutte did his draft stock no favors with a poor showing.
Kayshon Boutte’s hopes to hear his name called early in the 2023 NFL Draft took a massive hit last week. Unfortunately, the former LSU Tigers wide receiver put forth an abysmal performance during the NFL Combine.
Boutte was beaming confidently during interviews last Friday, predicting he would run a 4.3-second 40-yard dash. Instead, the Louisiana native posted official sprint times of 4.50 and 4.67. For context, Boutte’s second attempt equaled former Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett and Pitt defensive tackle Calijah Kancey.
Kayshon Boutte’s Saturday worsened as he posted the lowest vertical jump (29”) and second-lowest broad jump (108”) within his group of receivers.
New: #LSU WR Kayshon Boutte clocked unofficial 40-yard dash times of 4.50 and 4.67.
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) March 4, 2023
His 29" vertical jump was the lowest mark by any skill player so far.
A 9'10" broad jump was second-lowest in his WR group.
More on the results at the 2023 NFL Combine.https://t.co/CkFMJ47LAu pic.twitter.com/iPdS2DK7U2
Also, it’s worth mentioning that the former LSU Tigers standout measured at 5-foot-11 and weighed in at 195 pounds. Boutte’s arms (31 3/8”) and hands (9 1/2”) measurements are of no concern. But neither metric is enough for teams to ignore what they saw of him on the field over the weekend.
Boutte needs a strong showing at LSU’s Pro Day in Baton Rouge on April 29th. Such is an opportunity to re-run the 40-yard dash and, more importantly, put his route-running skills on display. Therefore, should he excel, NFL Teams will likely chalk up Boutte’s Combine performance as simply a bad day.
Kayshon Boutte was shot out of a cannon as a true freshman at LSU, posting 735 yards and five touchdowns. One can argue the receiver’s sophomore season was on a Biletnikoff Award pace before an ankle injury shut him down. Boutte returned to the field in 2022 but did appear fully healthy as he lacked burst and struggled with drops.
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One cannot help but wonder if Boutte’s lack of speed and leap is due to slow, prolonged injury recovery. If so, we hope he links with an NFL-caliber strength and recovery coach. Undoubtedly, an NFL team will draft Boutte in April, but there is no guarantee of exactly when.