While the NFL season is still a ways away, the rookie minicamps are underway. The New England Patriots are looking to rebound under new head coach Mike Vrabel after going 4-13 this past season. While it's still early into the minicamp, one rookie is showing that he deserves to see the field when the season begins.
The wide receiver room for the Patriots needed some reinforcement after a tough season. In free agency, they added Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, but more importantly, they drafted Kyle Williams with the 69th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Williams played for both UNLV (2020-2022) and Washington State (2023-2024) during his college days, totaling 248 receptions for 3,608 yards and 29 touchdowns. This past season with Washington State, he put up 70 receptions for 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns, a school record. In the Holiday Bowl, Williams caught 10 passes for 172 yards and had one touchdown. The 172 yards was a record for the bowl game.
With the Pats' current receiver room, no one is guaranteed to start. Pats reporter Phil Perry discussed Williams and how he's fared in minicamp so far, saying, "I thought it was a good practice for Kyle Williams, and we'll see moving forward just how much chemistry he's able to develop with a guy like Drake Maye". If Williams can keep it up and continue to practice well and build chemistry with Drake Maye, then he should be a lock to start.
While we still have some time to wait and see if Williams will see the field, these early practices can help gauge where he fits in this season. With how open the receiver room is, Williams proving that he can play would go a long way in improving the Pats' offense. The Patriots' OTAs will begin on May 19th, where the entire team can practice together.