Patriots at Commanders: Kayshon Boutte Among ‘3 to Watch’ in Preseason Finale

The New England Patriots are set to close their 2024 preseason slate on Sunday night against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.

While several Patriots players have all but assured themselves a place on the team this season, a notable number of Pats will continue to use each opportunity to learn, improve and make their best case for a spot on the their 53-man roster.

Though many roster hopefuls are expected to garner some attention during Sunday night’s matchup, here are three players that might raise an eyebrow… or perhaps, catch a ‘sharp eye’ when the Pats take the field against the Commanders.

Kayshon Boutte

Despite being among the Patriots’ most productive players during training camp, Boutte still faces a challenge in earning a roster spot. The LSU product has caught six passes for 76 yards (12.7 yds/r) over the past first two preseason games. Still, his exceptional route-running ability and catch radius has placed him behind the blazing speed of Tyquan Thornton and return prowess of Jalen Reagor on several roster projections.

Having been selected by New England as one of their sixth-round picks (No. 187 overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, Boutte has yet to reach his full potential on a pro football field. He appeared in five games for the Patriots last season with two catches for 19 yards. Despite his previous legal difficulty , the 22-year-old participated in Patriots offseason workouts — earning praise from head coach Jerod Mayo in the process.

For Boutte to obtain a spot on the Pats initial 53-man roster, he will need to exhibit some of the prowess he showed during his time as a LSU Tiger. Accordingly, he is expected to see significant time on the field against the Commanders on Sunday night.

Armon Watts

Watts, a five-year NFL veteran defender who signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Pats in March, was widely expected to earn his role along the team’s defensive unit. However, the 27-year old has had a relatively quiet summer in terms of production during both training camp and the preseason.

Throughout his career, the 6-5, 307-pound lineman has played in 72 career games making 22 starts. Watts has compiled 140 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one pass deflection. His best season came in 2021, when he had 20 tackles and five sacks while playing for the Minnesota Vikings .

With fellow linemen Jeremiah Pharms Jr. and Daniel Ekuale projected ahead of him on the team’s depth chart, Watts will need to demonstrate both aggression and tenacity to strengthen his case.

Dell Pettus

Known for a rich history in developing undrafted rookie free agents, the Patriots may once again be primed to do so with Pettus. The 23-year-old has logged 10 total tackles in two preseason appearances.

Still, Pettus’ resume has many believing that the Pats have possibly secured the services of yet another diamond n the rough. In 63 career games at Troy — including 61 consecutive starts — Pettus compiled 315 tackles (7.5 for a loss), 14 passes-defensed, two fumbles recovered, one interception and one sack. The 6-foot, 205-pound defensive back is capable of aligning at free safety, box safety and as a slot defender. He also was a core special teamer, finishing his career with over 4,000 combined snaps.

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Unsurprisingly, some have speculated that Pettus’ versatility may earn him an inside track at making the Pats’ 53-man roster — a case which would only be bolstered by a string performance against the Commanders in the Patriots’ preseason finale.