Patriots’ Kayshon Boutte has little ‘doubt’ over shot of making roster

“I feel like I’m going to do more as time goes on.”

Kayshon Boutte reeled in three catches on Thursday night. (Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff)

Kayshon Boutte’s place on New England’s roster is far from a lock this upcoming season.

Even with the Patriots deciding to release JuJu Smith-Schuster on Friday, Boutte still has a ways to go when it comes to separating himself from a packed receiver group.

Initial locks for that pass-catching corps should include rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, free-agent pickup K.J. Osborn, veteran Kendrick Bourne, and second-year pro DeMario Douglas.

But even with several spots on the depth chart already shored up, Boutte seemed confident on Sunday when asked about his chances of making the roster this fall.

“I feel like we’re all fighting for a job, but there’s not a doubt in my mind that I’m going to make the team,” Boutte said. “I feel like I’m doing everything that I’m supposed to to make the team. I feel like I’m going to do more as time goes on.”

Boutte is still likely fighting with Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Reagor for a spot on New England’s roster, although New England could also free up another spot if Bourne needs additional time to rest and recover while rehabbing back from a torn ACL.

Boutte took a step in the right direction last week with a strong showing during New England’s preseason opener against the Panthers on Thursday, reeling in three catches for 53 yards in his team’s 17-3 win.

Boutte’s route-running has regularly popped over the last two training camps, allowing the 2023 sixth-round selection out of LSU to make New England’s roster last season. Even though the 22-year-old wideout only reeled in two catches for 19 yards last season, continuing to stack strong performances during preseason play could open the door for more reps down the road.

“Training camp has been going great,” Boutte said. “Coming out every day competing. Stacking days. Just day after day, opportunity after opportunity.”

New England’s decision to target a pass-catcher like Boutte in the 2023 NFL Draft revolved around potential — with Boutte recording 83 catches with 1,243 yards and 14 touchdowns over the first 16 games of his collegiate career.

A lackluster 2022 season with the Tigers hampered some of his draft stock, but the tools are certainly there with a young receiver like Boutte.

Entering year two in the NFL, Boutte isn’t fretting over expectations or where he hopes to slot in on a pro roster — be it with the Patriots or potentially elsewhere if he loses out in the annual numbers game.

“You see a lot in the media, just with expectations and stuff like that. … I don’t really like to set expectations, just go out and play,” Boutte said.