The New England Patriots have been red-hot, owning a 7-2 record and a six-game win streak as we go into Week 10.
There have been standouts in the first year of the Mike Vrabel era, but at the same time, there are some rookies who haven't started the 2025 season in the manner they hoped. New England drafted 11 players last April, and receiver Kyle Williams is one guy who hasn't gotten off to a hot start.
Patriots WR Kyle Williams Is Having a Slow Start to His Career
The Patriots drafted Williams in the third round with the 69th overall pick. Even though he faced tempered expectations as a rookie, Williams has been a non-factor in the passing attack with two catches for 20 receiving yards despite being active for all nine games.
Williams hasn't been able to even crack the rotation, as he ranks fifth on the team in total snaps (122). Guys like Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and DeMario Douglas all have shown more and produced when given the opportunity.
As for Williams, he seems to be getting better at the minor details. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels spoke about Williams on Thursday and said, "I think Kyle’s doing a lot of really good things. He’s a young player who’s come in, and some of the guys that have been in front of him have really done a nice job. I think that’s part of the role of a young player who’s trying to progress — you wait your turn, you get your opportunities, and hopefully you make some plays and continue to earn more.”
It's tough for Williams to earn more reps when there are several proven vets ahead of him. But the hamstring injury to Boutte has given him the chance to get more, as he played in a season-high 31 snaps in Week 9. Even though he played more, he recorded zero catches and yards on his lone target.
With Boutte ruled out for Week 10 against the Buccaneers, Williams will have another chance to prove himself before the LSU product returns. If he doesn't, it's likely that he'll be back on the bench.
For whatever reason, the coaches are trotting Williams out there, and there are areas where he needs to improve. Until he does those things, he won't be playing much in 2025.