There's only so much that can be learned from NFL OTAs. They really just serve as an opportunity for everyone to start getting on the same page about what the offseason/training camp will look like, though they also serve a chance for younger guys to get valuable reps in while some vets sit out – even if those reps do come in shorts and t-shirts.
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So with that in mind, when rookies are already getting attention after a few practices at half-speed, it's always worth taking a closer look. Sometimes it's just the offseason boredom creating stories where there isn't one, but every once in a while, it becomes immediately clear that the team drafted a Day 1 starter. This week, Bleacher Report took a look around the league to try and find out who those guys were this summer, and the Patriots made an appearance – although probably not for the rookie you'd expect.
It sounds like Kyle Williams is making quite the impression at Patriots OTAs
"Williams didn't have the shine of other prospects last season while playing at Washington State after the Pac-12 conference (mostly) folded. He also didn't have Cam Ward throwing to him during his final year of campus. Though his release package and penchant for making difficult catches were hard not to notice. Both skills have already shown up at OTAS. 'The speed he has when getting in and out of his routes has looked exceptional,' Jordy McElroy of Patriots Wire wrote. 'That's something the Patriots have lacked in recent years at the wide receiver position' ... NBC Sports' Phil Perry added, 'He was on the field with Drake Maye, which, to me, as a rookie that's a good sign. I think the highlight of the day (Friday) for the offense was a deep ball down the right sideline from Josh Dobbs to Williams. He got both feet in bounds and beat Miles Battle.'"
The Pats earned pretty high grades across the board for their entire draft class this year, so in that sense it's not surprising to hear that some of those picks are already starting to look like they belong. And even if this is just the doldrums of the NFL season making us see things, it never hurts to hear that the Patriots actually may have a decent wide receiver or two this season.