I'll start with Boutte since I haven't given my thoughts in his theead yet. Bill loves Jarvis Landry and this is his get back. Tough slot who plays with 0 fear across the middle and brings attitude to the field and WR room. He's had a up & down time at LSU esp with a disciplined no nonsense guy like Kelly. That doesn't give me hope considering Bill is worse but hey who knows. They had issues though.
Boutte broke out as a 18 yo and dominated young. Which matters. Still only 20 I believe. The two surgeries are very concerning. Mainly bc he lost almost all explosion after it and hasn't gotten it back yet. And that's one of his biggest strengths. His acceleration off the line, off his stem, in stride with the ball.
This is what I wrote about him last May ...
Meant to post this the past few days but been busy with work. Just woke up so ill get it out the way. Not finished with the names, I'll add a few more. Have to move a few guys around but almost everyone is in the right. neighborhood.
Boutte looks like a mini Chase at times but long term the picture isn't as clear as it was with previous #1.
Recovering from two ankle surgeries can derail you short term when you depend on planting/cutting, exploding from off your feet. That's easily the biggest question mark with Boutte.
When hes on its easy to see a little Chase in his game. From his build (6/200) to play style (slightly upright runner that bounces off defenders with plus play speed & strength) to toughness with the ball in his hands. They jump out.
Similarities are there but it remains to be seen if Boutte can capture that quickness/twitch, play speed post-surgery.
Almost ended up in Bama a few times. Most recently after the NIL deals struck but ended up staying at LSU. He's being taken care of there. Big time recruit from that area. Big name.
-
very physical - won't go down easy, plays through contact on contested / tough catches, will block ... he gets involved.
-
plus focus, tracking and body control. In the air, MOF, sideline. Very good awareness of where he's at and attention to detail. Big play ability. Makes it happen. 8 TD in 5 games last year I believe. Natural playmaker.
Strong hands. Natural hands although he will occasionally let a few hit his chest in tight situations.
Ability to make plays all three levels. Manufactured touches - can beat press. Once he gains more strength, hopefully recovers 100% by next year. He'll be a nightmare to press bc of his strength & speed. He can run straight by you and take the top off so pressing is only for the unafraid with NFL recovery speed & skills. Screens, motion, crossers, hitch, go, fade, he can do it all. Could improve on certain routes but he's a good r/r as it is rn.
Elusive can make you miss. Run through weak arm tackles.
Turns into a RB with the ball in his hands. Plus acceleration and play speed. He runs as fast as he needs to.
He needs to recover 100%. Get stronger, weight is almost maxed but really polish off that body. Could in some other areas. Making certain routes his own. He's got some craftiness to him. Medicals could push him down depending on those surgeries.
Back to the present. It's more than obvious the surgeries and other distractions have taken a toll on him. He needs a clean slate. I'm cautiously optimistic bc this isn't someone who really wanted to play for Saban or accepts constructive criticism well but all that is pre-6th RD pick.
LSU Wire ...
"In high school, Boutte both clocked a 4.37-second 40-yard dash and contributed to a record-breaking relay team. He also posted a blazing 21.29-second 200-meter run."
So theres some evidence beside the eye test on Boutte that he can be an explosive athlete. You just hope his head is on straight and realizes he's on thin ice. Develops his game and takes advantage of a WR corp with WR1 seemingly up for grabs. One other thing that's concerning is that most of his production come from like 5 games. He's got nothing but opportunity here though if he comes correct.
- Plus awareness in general. Waiting for the ball, with it in his hands. The angles and path he takes. Natural feel and instincts.
- Like Chase at his best he ricochets off defenders off the los in his releases, top of his routes/stem. Does a great job reducing any surface to hit. Knows how to work in tight spaces. Both catching and leaving defenders behind using leverage against them.
- varied release package with plus hand fighting. Counter puncher that can get physical. Good lateral movements.
- good stalk blocker with good technique and effort. Can be a plus blocker in space. Not sure about getting dirty against a DE but plenty to work with.
Not a "big slot" but a bully that can play Z too. LSU moved him around both sides. I think he can absolutely play X fully healthy.
Lots of upside here. Again this is Bill's way of getting Landry back imo. Just need to really get him to buy in.
View attachment 51092
View attachment 51093
Douglas and Marcus Jones could be a problem for defenses. You can use both so many ways. Slot, backfield, motion/orbit,
I have no doubt we'll use Douglas like Liberty did and they moved him everywhere. If he peaks, he's a potential big play on one snap, moving the chains another and designed touches the next.
Varied releases with good footwork. Already a smaller target he gets smaller but really uses patience to his advantage off the los and at the top of his route.
Sudden, quick. Could play with more control at times but hes a water bug. Good lateral movements and jump cuts, dead legs.
Effective body catcher when he has to but also plucks the ball at times.
Gets after it as a blocker. Decent technique with lots of fight.
Tracks the ball well for his size.
Doesn't lose speed coming out his breaks or cuts. Gets smaller when he sinks and explodes out breaks. Body is a target. Head, hands, chest are snapping and looking at once.
Will take a hit. Tough kid.
He wasn't working with much at Liberty. He never played with anyone that could really time up passes or fire it in there.
Again him and Jones could be a headache on the field together bc of their short area movements, acceleration and toughness.
I'm really excited to see what both these guys can do. Pats have a notoriously hard s&c program. Not everyone loves the lower body training it's brutal at times but this could be great for Boutte. Or break him. Obviously rooting for his upside to show. I would even be ok with taking it easy until he's 100% fully healthy and work on his body.
I'll mention it 100 times bc this offense needed quickness. So I'm pumped to see what Marcus Jones and Douglas could do together. They're both scat backs with the ball. Can ruin your day in short areas and provide instant big plays.
Based on your follow up, I think we are 100% on the same page. It could be as simple as he's not good with unexpected change, is a little immature and took his athleticism for granted and thought he'd kill the combine. Maybe. He's really young, so it could be that easy. Let's hope this is his wake up call and comes in here and destroys the NFL much like an older 6th rounder we all know.
