New England Patriots
“Being able to learn the playbook and just whatever they need for me, just being able to execute at a high level.”
Kyle Williams is entering his second season in the NFL ranks. John Tlumacki/Boston Globe Staff
May 20, 2026 | 3:13 PM
3 minutes to read
FOXBOROUGH — Kyle Williams’ rookie stats may not necessarily leap off the page.
The 2025 third-round selection (69th overall) was more of a complementary piece in New England’s resurgent offense last season, recording 10 catches for 209 yards and three touchdowns.
While the former Washington State standout showcased some of his blistering speed off a few chunk-yardage catches last year, he struggled to carve out a regular role as a dependable target for Drake Maye. Even with his 10 catches, he only reeled in 42.9 percent of his total targets (21) on the year.
Speaking at the Patriots’ Community Day event at the team’s practice facility on Wednesday, the talented wideout stressed that he’s ready to take a major step forward in 2026.
“I would say that me now from my rookie year is going to be night and day, for sure,” said Williams, who also worked as a part-time kickoff returner over the second half of the season. “I learned a lot just being able to sit back. I had great vets in the room, and I had a great coaching staff. Just a great team overall that just helped me get through my rookie year.”
Even with the signing of Romeo Doubs and the potential arrival of A.J. Brown next month via trade, there should be more opportunities for Williams to carve out a greater role in New England — especially after Stefon Diggs’ departure and Kayshon Boutte’s potential standing as a trade chip.
While Josh McDaniels and the Patriots’ offensive personnel should have plenty to work with this upcoming season when it comes to pairing an MVP-caliber quarterback in Maye with weapons like Doubs and potentially Brown, Williams should still hold plenty of value thanks to his straight-line speed.
If New England does move on from Boutte in particular, Williams could step into a similar role as an outside “X” receiver — capable of reeling in deep throws from Maye while other players like Doubs and Brown draw more attention.
For Williams, building a stronger rapport with Maye this offseason and during training camp stands as one of his top priorities.
“Building chemistry with Drake and everything,” Williams said. “Being able to learn the playbook and just whatever they need for me, just being able to execute at a high level.”
Even though the 23-year-old Williams’ speed speaks for itself, he’s also not the most imposing figure at 5-foot-11 — especially when matched up on the outside against larger defensive backs.
As such, bulking up has been one of Williams’ top priorities this offseason. After weighing 185 pounds “soaking wet” last season, he said he’s already between 191 and 193 pounds at this juncture of the NFL calendar.
His diet? A steady intake of PB&J sandwiches, food from the Patriots’ new training facility next to Gillette Stadium, and a heaping portion of candy — including gummy bears and Mike and Ike’s.
“Play strength was definitely something that I wanted to emphasize,” Williams said. “I knew that I needed to get my lower half stronger and bulk up a little bit, coming across the middle, getting off and press and all that type of stuff. So that was one of my biggest emphases, mobility and just putting on a little weight.”
If the Patriots want to prove that last year’s Super Bowl run was not a flash in the pan, an already explosive offensive unit will need more players to pull on the rope behind Maye moving forward.
It’s a message that Williams has seemingly taken to heart going into his second year as a pro.
“Just consistency throughout my whole game,” Williams acknowledged when asked about his main goal in 2026.
Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.
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