#kayshon-boutte

#kayshon-boutte

Because the 23-year-old quarterback is doing far more than taking that sought-after "second-year leap" in the NFL ranks. Rather, he's playing like one of the top-five best QBs in the game so far this season. If last week was Maye's coming-out party as he out-dueled Josh Allen and the Bills, this performance cemented that Maye's ascension isn't a fluke as he continues to elevate a Patriots team on the rise.

It was crucial that the new regime in New England addressed the group this offseason to help put Drake Maye in good position to succeed in his second year, which they appear to have accomplished to a certain degree. Stefon Diggs has been a great addition, along with the rise of Kayshon Boutte, both of whom have had back-to-back 100-yard games over the last two weeks.

He was the No. 3 wide receiver prospect in the nation during his senior year of high school, according to both 247Sports and ESPN. He was a consensus top-40 recruit and some even had him in the top-20. One such scouting report, which projected him as an early-round pick, listed his player comparison as none other than current Patriots teammate Stefon Diggs, who is a four-time Pro Bowler.

Game-changing wide receivers have evaded being signed by the Patriots for as long as most can remember, and it was clear that pattern needed to end going into the 2025 season. Mike Vrabel was very aware of that, and that explains why they chose to sign Stefon Diggs in free agency. His addition to the offensive roster had many fans excited, as Drake Maye would finally have the caliber of weapon that could immediately elevate their performance on day one.