The 2025 New England Patriots NFL draft, conducted by new Head Coach Mike Vrabel, was a defining one. Starters have emerged all over the field. One player who's not yet achieved that status but who's showing positive signs of progress is third-round pick, wide receiver Kyle Williams.
Williams hasn't received much attention in the 2025 Patriots' offense. Some attribute that to route running considerations. Whatever the reasons, the blisteringly fast receiver has only been targeted a mere 13 times all season, though he's suited up in all 13 games. It's not nearly enough
Williams has five receptions for 143 yards from those 13 targets, and two have been for touchdowns, one a 72-yarder against Tampa Bay. Those numbers, while minuscule, point to the fact that he's a receiver who can provide big plays when he gets his hands on the ball. They also mean he should be getting more targets. William himself knows he can accomplish a lot more.
#Patriots rookie WR Kyle Williams:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) December 7, 2025
“I know there is so much more out there for me. I've yet to scratch the surface and I'm still learning. Just grateful for the experience. After Year 1, we'll dig deep in that bag a little more."
(✍️ @MikeReiss) pic.twitter.com/iFUnzGN4ZB
Kyle Williams' blistering speed needs to be better utilized by the Patriots
After highlighting Williams' 33-yard touchdown catch against the Giants, ESPN's Mike Reiss of ESPN pointed out Williams' progress and competitive challenges.
"Williams providing some of the rookie fireworks in Week 13 speaks to how the contributions have been widespread. The 69th overall pick is fifth on the receiver depth chart behind Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins and DeMario "Pop" Douglas, and he acknowledged that it has been a challenge for him at times this year (5 receptions, 143 yards, 2 TDs)."
Whatever the reasons, Williams not getting more snaps is a costly mistake for the Patriots' big-play ability. He's probably the Patriots' fastest receiver, having run a 4.40 forty-yard dash at the combine, and also has another unique attribute that no one else on the team can duplicate.
Patriots' Kyle Williams has an explosive first step that is as good as it gets in the NFL
Besides having take-it-to-the-house speed every time he touches the ball, Williams also possesses a trait that no other receiver on the Patriots, other than perhaps Stefon Diggs at times (and Marcus Jones, if he's ever used again on offense), possesses. His ability to metaphorically go from 0 to 60 seemingly in a split second after a catch is astounding.
Watching his Washington State tapes, it's crystal clear that Williams' first step after a catch is unique. The speedy receiver can not only take any ball a long distance, but he also gets up to full speed after a catch almost instantaneously. This makes his potential yards after the catch astronomical if he is actually targeted and gets his hands on the ball.
If Kyle Wiliams' route running is not yet up to par, he still should be getting 5-7 targets weekly in routes with which he's familiar. His potential to explode out of a catch for big yardage is too significant to be bottled up. The onus is on the Patriots' coaching staff to get Williams the ball more often, especially in space.
If they do, the result will be more big plays that lead to more wins.