# Kyle Williams Wide Receiver, New England Patriots. Third-round pick (2025 draft). ## Quick Facts - **Position:** WR - **Current team:** New England Patriots (NE) - **Draft:** 2025, 3rd round - **2025 stats:** 10 rec, 209 yards, 3 TDs in 17 games (all TDs 30+ yards, including 72-yard score vs Tampa Bay) ## 2026 Outlook Williams faces a critical second year with new head coach Mike Vrabel pushing for dramatic improvement in strength and versatility. His rookie season (10 rec, 209 yards, 3 TDs—all 30+ yards) proved his big-play ability, but Vrabel wants him functioning as a complete receiver across multiple alignment spots rather than just a vertical threat. GM Eliot Wolf made clear: "He's gotta get stronger, and I think he'd be the first one to tell you that." Currently behind Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins, but OTA observations (per Patriots receiver Kyle Williams clarifies how team feels about 'new' Mike Vrabel at the helm) suggest Vrabel's system is producing quick development. The intensity—Kyle posted on IG that OTAs are "feeling like training camp" on Day 2—shows he's buying in to Vrabel's accountability standards. In 2026, Williams should be positioned better than his erratic rookie season. The Patriots are moving him from X-receiver (his 2025 full-time role) to a Z-receiver/slot hybrid that plays to his strengths—his 4.4-second speed and YAC ability rather than contested catch ability. His inconsistency (44.4% catch rate, 14.3% contested-catch success in 2025) and chemistry issues with Drake Maye will persist, but a new role designed around his burst and movement should unlock more productivity. Vrabel's emphasis on role clarity suggests he won't remain in the odd X-spot usage that limited him as a rookie. He's still a rotational piece in a crowded room with A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, and Mack Hollins, but has WR2/3 potential if placement and volume align (per Patriots scouting report: Kyle Williams should be in a better position to succeed in 2026). **June 9 minicamp:** Williams caught 3 passes during minicamp, primarily with the second-team offense (2 catches with backup QB Tommy DeVito, 1 with Maye), and also had a defensive highlight when safety Charles Woods allowed him a slant-pass TD during coverage drills. Shows he's in the rotation and developing chemistry with multiple quarterbacks (per Patriots minicamp Day 1 takeaways: Drake Maye sharp, Christian Gonzalez practices). **June 17 update – Physical development:** Williams has added 5+ pounds of lean muscle this offseason (from ~185 to 190+ pounds), improving his play strength and ability to work through contact. His footwork and route-running details are cleaner, and receiver coach Todd Downing noted significant refinement in route tops, proper footwork in the run game, and blocking force. This addresses a key criticism from his rookie year and could help him survive increased physicality at the college-to-pro transition level. Williams is handling an expanded role across multiple formations in the Patriots' offensive scheme (per Patriots seeing growth from second-year wide receivers). **June 18 update – Strength gains continue:** Williams confirmed during a Patriots community event that his bulking plan is on track, now weighing 191–193 pounds (up from "185 soaking wet" at the start of offseason). He emphasized mobility and lower-body strength as his primary focus areas to improve play strength coming across the middle and getting off press coverage. His combination of peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches, protein, facility food, and light candy shows his commitment to the extra weight and should help him survive increased physicality (per Patriots young receiver bulks up in potential leap from Year 1 to 2). ## Role / Depth Chart If A.J. Brown trade finalizes, moves to WR4 position. Depth chart: Brown (#1), Romeo Doubs (#2), Mack Hollins/Demario Douglas (#3 slot), Williams (#4, competing for limited snaps). Vrabel emphasizing multi-position learning to expand offensive usage, but playing time will be constrained by crowded receiving room. (per A.J. 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