How the Patriots were going to handle this year's draft was far more of a mystery than any overseen by Bill Belichick in the past. While the legendary head coach and GM kept analysts and fans on their toes with his decisions, Eliot Wolf's poor outing in 2024 left no room for speculation about how the Patriots' new regime would navigate this year's class.
There were many improvements needed and reputations to repair, specifically for Wolf, so the hope was that they would earn top grades and rave reviews for the players they chose. Fortunately, early reports have already awarded the team top marks for their picks, with their offensive selections dominating the positive takeaways.
Among those with the most excited reaction is WSU wide receiver Kyle Williams, an under-the-radar prospect who didn't appear on many Patriots' big boards across the league due to this year's crowded wide receiver class. But given how the chips fell and his availability in the third round, it made sense for him to become the next weapon for Drake Maye to work with.
Ironically, it might not have happened if Mike Vrabel weren't a forgiving and understanding man.
Kyle Williams' mistake with Mike Vrabel could have deterred the Patriots from drafting him
While speaking to reporters after being picked, Williams revealed a big mistake he made during his meeting with Mike Vrabel. He shared that he had believed he played on the offensive line during his career, but quickly learned he was actually a linebacker.
It's not that big of a deal, especially given Williams' age and how old he would have been during the height of Vrabel's career, but it could have been a costly mistake if Vrabel took himself too seriously, like other former players or head coaches.
“I had mistaken him for an O-lineman, but he was a linebacker. In my opinion, he could have went to the NBA, but a dude that — he loves the game. You can hear it in his voice, the passion that he comes with, you know he is a man of standards. He wants to work, and that’s what I can come in and help bring to the organization.”
Other than the slight awkwardness that interaction might have had in the moment, it's clear Vrabel continues to make a positive impression on the Patriots roster, new and old. Williams isn't the only rookie to have spoken highly of his head coach, further proving there has been a massive change in the Patriots locker room.
It was much-needed after the team seemingly fell apart at the seams during the 2024 season, providing some with the belief that it was even more of a mistake to have let go of Bill Belichick after two decades.
While that might have been true in some regard, it ultimately led to Vrabel being hired and New England getting back on the right track again, with Williams expected to be a big part of that moving forward.