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One of the guys that showed flashes during minicamp was former LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte.

The problem was, we didn’t know if he’d even be in the league back in April. Well, now we do.

Adam Schefter reported early on Tuesday (with a follow up from Mike Reiss) that Boutte has had underaged gambling and computer fraud charges dropped against him in the state of Louisiana. Boutte was arrested in January over allegations of illegal sports betting while he played for the Tigers.

Boutte didn’t miss a spring practice and while it wasn’t often, he did show what he could bring to the table a few times if he makes the team.

It’s a big if, but it’s also very possible given the fact that he’s only 22 and had a total of two catches on seven targets for 19 yards as a rookie last season. There’s still the element of a complete unknown, perhaps untapped potential here.

With training camp starting next week, it feels like Tyquan Thornton, Boutte, Jalen Reagor, Kawaan Baker and JaQuae Jackson will be the ones battling for the final roster spot or two. Kendrick Bourne, KJ Osborn, Demario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker are already on the team heading into Day 1. Of course, JuJu may not be healthy, but he was adamant when asked about it and was noticeably moving better during OTA’s.

Boutte is speedier than all of those guys, except maybe Thornton. If he shows he can separate, catch and then separate again after the catch, he was a very good receiver at LSU and could be a weapon in the return game if given an opportunity. Even if he shows up to practice, there’s a chance Thornton can’t stay healthy again. At that point, beating out any of the others he’s competing with certainly isn’t out of the question given his new found lease on NFL life.

Hopefully for his sake and the sake of the Patriots’ quarterback room, he can take advantage of it starting next week.