Kyle Williams: Everything you need to know

As his second season as a pro approaches, Williams noted Tuesday that he's been working to improve his playing strength, Mark Daniels of masslive.com reports. To that end, Williams -- who caught 10 of 21 targets for 209 yards and three touchdowns in 17 regular-season contests in 2025 -- said Tuesday that his weight has gone up to 193 pounds after playing at "185 soaking wet" as a rookie. As things stand, Williams is slated to compete for snaps in an already crowded New England WR corps that also includes Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas, but there's been plenty of speculation that the team could trade for Philadelphia's A.J. Brown on or after June 1. If that happens, Williams -- who the Patriots took in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft -- may face a challenging path to steady playing time/targets in 2026.

Williams caught 10 of 21 targets for 209 yards and three touchdowns while also registering 290 kickoff-return yards over 17 contests during the 2025 regular season. Williams spent the majority of his rookie campaign as the team's No. 5 option at wide receiver behind Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas. Williams was able to notch only two multi-catch performances while going without a reception in nine games. The wide receiver was able to find the end zone in three separate contests, most notably breaking loose for a 72-yard score in Week 10 against the Buccaneers. The 2025 third-rounder will look to take a step up in his sophomore campaign with New England next year.

Williams was on the field for 22 of 65 snaps on offense in Sunday's 28-16 divisional-round win over the Texans, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports, but he failed to catch any of his three targets. Williams added one kickoff return for 22 yards. Looking ahead, the 2025 third-rounder remains a fantasy dart throw in Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Broncos due to his limited volume in the Patriots' passing game.