Vikings add another LSU receiver in early 2023 mock draft

Some recent predictions for the 2023 NFL Draft have the Minnesota Vikings using their first-round pick to select LSU receiver Kayshon Boutte.

Two years ago in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings made the decision to use their first-round pick on former LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

Jefferson ended up being the fifth receiver drafted in 2020, but he has quickly let everyone in the league know how that was a huge mistake. In just two seasons with the Vikings, the former LSU playmaker has already emerged as one of the best wide receivers in the entire NFL.

In the near future, Jefferson might not be the only former LSU pass-catcher on Minnesota’s roster. If things go according to a recent 2023 mock draft, both of the Vikings’ top two wide receivers could end up being from the SEC school within the next few seasons.

Minnesota Vikings add LSU receiver Kayshon Boutte in recent 2023 mock draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is still almost an entire year away from taking place. But that doesn’t mean that people aren’t already making predictions about what might happen during the event.

Zack Patraw of Sports Illustrated’s NFL Draft Bible recently shared some early thoughts on how he believes the first round of the 2023 draft might turn out.

Patraw has Minnesota on the board with the No. 12 pick, and with this selection, he has them adding LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte.

Boutte is a smaller receiving prospect at 6-foot and 190 pounds, but he makes up for it with his speed, quickness, and playmaking abilities.

To get a better feel about Boutte, here is how Pro Football Network’s Oliver Hodgkinson recently described his skill-set.

"“His acceleration appears almost effortless. When he hits top speed, there are few defensive players who can catch him.”"

He only appeared in six games for LSU last season, but he still managed to haul in more than six catches and 80 receiving yards per contest to go along with nine touchdown receptions.

Boutte is currently the No. 6 prospect on The Draft Network’s 2023 big board, so it’s possible that he might not even be available by the time the Vikings make their first pick in the 2023 draft.

But if he is still available when Minnesota is on the clock next year, then it would likely be very difficult for them to pass on the talented wide receiver.