Patriots Wr Kyle Williams Receives High Praise From Mike Vrabel

So far this offseason, the New England Patriots have had a clear pecking order at wide receiver.

A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs and DeMario Douglas are the starting trio at the top, with Kayshon Boutte a fourth option who has repeatedly shown his big play abilities and chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye. Behind them, Mack Hollins continues to see prominent snaps all over the formation.

Then, there are sophomores Efton Chism and Kyle Williams. The former has seen some action with the starters as well, particularly during Doubs’ recent non-injury-related absence. The latter, on the other hand, has only occasionally taken the field alongside Maye and the top offense.

That could very well change in the future, at least if Mike Vrabel is to be believed.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Friday’s scrimmage on the Gillette Stadium practice fields, the Patriots’ head coach spoke highly about the 2025 third-round draft choice. In fact, he predicted a prominent role within the operation.

“He’ll continue to earn opportunities,” Vrabel said. “I really, really know that Kyle is going to help us. His speed is going to help us.”

How exactly that help would look like or indeed manifest itself Vrabel did not explain. He did, however, say that Williams’ particular speed-based skillset would be the foundation of his role.

“We’re going to find ways to get him the ball, and it may be outside of just the normal installation plays,” Vrabel said. “That’s my responsibility, that’s Josh [McDaniels]’s responsibility, that’s Todd [Downings]’s, responsibility to put him in those positions where we see the speed that showed up last year.

“I know that he is going to be a large part of what we’re going to do, and those opportunities will continue to come. His release skills, his speed, his vertical speed, those are all things that we have to continue to take advantage of as we progress.”

Williams’ abilities as a big play threat were on display throughout his college career and also during his rookie season. While primarily serving as a backup X-receiver behind Boutte — a role arguably not best suited for his skillset — he caught 12 passes on 27 targets 223 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His 18.6 yards per reception ranked fifth in the NFL among wide receivers with double-digit catches.

However, getting on the same page with his quarterback proved to be a problem for Williams. The same was true for his consistency, both on offense and in the return game, where he average 26.0 yards on 12 runbacks.

And yet, the Patriots are steadfast in their belief in the 23-year-old — to a point where they would consider keeping seven wideouts on their opening day roster.

“All we have to do is figure out the best way to keep guys that are going to help us win, that have roles on this team and that help us win,” said Vrabel.

“It’s a great room. It’s a good competitive room. And by competing and getting out there every single day, those will by nature increase his opportunities.”