New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams is one of the rookies to watch entering his first NFL training camp. Not just because of the juice he brings to the field as a receiver, but the mentality he embraces as a playmaker.
While it’s tough for Patriots fans to get too excited about wide receivers drafted by the team in the higher rounds, Williams will be in position to change recent draft history and make an impact Year 1. Along with his explosive, big-play ability which should complement Drake Maye’s talented arm, his approach as a receiver already has him standing out as a rookie playmaker.
Speaking to the media following a volunteering even at a Boston youth football clinic on Thursday, Williams revealed a mindset that will set him apart in camp.
“My mindset is don’t drop the money. Every time the ball is there, it’s a bag of money,” Williams said, as transcribed by WEEI. “Just being able to make those plays, just showing that I can compete against those top-teir guys in the league.”
Kyle Williams and his potential impact on the Patriots' offense
Selected with the No. 69 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Washington State product brings some juice the Patriots wide receiver group. As a down-the-field threat, Williams is an explosive target who can be moved around the field in different alignments. That will not only make him an intriguing target for Maye, but a player Patriots’ offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will have fun play calling for, especially his ability to turn bubble screens into big gains.
But it’s just not his talent and mentality that could lead Williams to shine in Year 1 for the Patriots, it’s the fact he gets to learn from a big-time receiver like Stefon Diggs who has that big-play mentality. Even if the veteran is not able to go by Week 1, his influence on a player like Williams will add spark to the Patriots offensive approach.
Another factor for Williams is the competition he will be facing in training camp. Aside from Diggs, the Patriots have a group of receivers that include Kendrick Bourne, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, 2024 draft picks Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker and an intriguing undrafted rookie free agent in Efton Chism III who has already turned heads during minicamp and OTAs.
Another key is going up against a top-level cornerback like Christian Gonzalez in practice. Going up against the Patriots 2023 first-round pick and a secondary that will challenge the Patriots receivers can only benefit the Patriots rookie wide receiver.
“It makes me excited because Gonzo’s, like, I think it’s an iron sharpens iron thing. Going against Gonzo is going to help me better my game,” Williams said.
In all, Williams already has the feel of a receiver the Patriots will finally hit on. With the mentality he approaches the game with, his rise as a rookie could erase the failed high round draft picks of N’Keal Harry and Tyquan Thornton with the jury still out on Polk.