I think some people here overvalue Boutte. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but he struggles with consistency. He can can dominate a game here and there, but disappear for three or four games too.
I think at best, Boutte is worth a day two pick. Most likely no higher than a late 2, but I think more realistically his ceiling is a third rounder. My guess is he would most likely go for a high 4th rounder value.
Unless the the Patriots intend to move Doubs to the slot, I don't think there is a spot in the starting rotation for Boutte after the Brown trade eventually happens. Brown would be the X and Doubs most likely will be the Z in the starting rotation. I think the Z is probably Boutte's more natural spot even though he plays the X more so far in his career, but I don't think he is as good as Doubs.
I think Williams will get more looks this year in the X and Hollins is the back up for the Z. I am not sure where Boutte fits in once Brown is here. Again, that is if the Pats don't make Doubs move to the slot like Diggs did last year (and the year before in Houston).
With Brown and Doubs here and the hopeful year two jump for Williams, I don't think the Pats will be able to keep Boutte here past next season. He is going to want to go where he can be a guaranteed starter. It might be better to trade him now rather than let him walk for nothing especially if the Pats are active enough in free agency next year to not have him net a compensatory pick.
