The 2025 Draft class was considered a good one for a handful of positions, with the deep class of incoming wide receivers being the best news possible for the Patriots. That meant they could focus their efforts elsewhere with their first picks, taking left tackle Will Campbell in the first round and Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson in the second.
That led Mike Vrabel and Co. to Washington State wide receiver Kyle Williams early in the third round, an initial pick that was questionable for analysts and fans due to the other receivers who remained on the board. However, it didn't take long for the doubters to come around, especially after hearing what Williams had to say upon being drafted.
Since then, the conversation surrounding his talent and fit within the offense has only strengthened the Patriots' decision to pick him, which includes a few impressive legendary comparisons to players like longtime Seahawk Tyler Lockett and five-time Pro Bowler Steve Smith Sr.
Those kinds of comps put a lot of pressure on the young player's shoulders, but also prove the Patriots have a diamond just waiting to be shined, making him an even better addition to the offense for Drake Maye to work with. Williams' reaction to the latest comp only solidifies the Patriots' decision to draft him even further.
Kyle Williams continues to exemplify the traits the Patriots are looking for in their improved roster
Being compared to a great player like Smith Sr. is no easy feat, especially when you haven't played a game in the NFL yet. However, the former longtime Panther sees himself in Williams already, which meant that the Patriots media needed to ask the rookie for his reaction to the comparison.
In true Patriot form, Williams appreciated the compliment and spoke about his relationship with Smith Sr., but also emphasized how much he has yet to prove and accomplish, showing all the characteristics of what Vrabel hopes to get from his players during the roster rebuild.
“It means a lot, honestly. Somebody I watched when I was a kid, but for me, I still have to accomplish a lot of things just for me to accept that comparison. Me and him, we chop it up here and there. LA guys, just having that resemabalance of a home state and everything, that’s just good on our connection.”
The humble approach is exactly the kind of attitude Bill Belichick preferred from Patriots players throughout his tenure, and that is something Vrabel appears to want to bring back to Foxboro. Fortunately, Williams has already exhibited that and then some, with his response to the Smith Sr. comparison being the latest example.
The humility, coupled with confidence, appeared to be lacking during the 2024 season, inevitably leading to players speaking too much to the media and making the wrong impression with fans and reporters. It was a giant step in the wrong direction that Vrabel desires to change, and that makes Williams' response that much more in line with accomplishing that.