The New England Patriots could use in a wide receiver by-committee in 2025, given the numerous options they have on the perimeter, but having only Stefon Diggs as the only established high-level starter.
One name who may end up rising to the top, according to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, is rookie Kyle Williams, who is continuing to impress at training camp.
Knox explains that as early as this season, he could see the Washington State grad becoming one of the team’s top wideouts.
Patriots Rookie Could Have Major Impact In 2025
“Third-rounder Kyle Williams could be a true starter at wide receiver.” Knox wrote last Saturday, “The third-round pick out of Washington State certainly has a prime opportunity. The Patriots added Mack Hollins and Stefon Diggs in free agency but had arguably the league’s worst receiving corps in 2024. If Williams can outshine either DeMario Douglas or Kayshon Boutte during the preseason, he could lock down a starting job.”
Knox believes that his training camp performance and natural chemistry with second year QB, Drake Maye could accelerate his standing in the already-deep receiver room.
“According to Danny Jaillet of Patriots Wire, Williams has been “viewed as one of the top receivers in training camp so far” and has already created chemistry with Maye. According to the rookie receiver, that chemistry has been the result of hard work.
“Just getting that constant work in,” Williams said, per WEEI’s Tom Carroll. “Understanding each other. Him being able to trust me when those types of routes are being called. And when it comes to pads, just try to carry it all over.”
If that chemistry carries through the preseason, Williams will probably be one of Maye’s go-to targets in Week 1.”
What Are Kyle Williams’ Chances Of Becoming The WR3?
The team has certainly been impressed with the third round rookie early on in training camp, with his ability to make plays downfield. However, the trajectory may not quite be as straightforward as posited by Knox.
Back on Friday, Chad Graff of The Athletic revealed that whilst Williams has had his moments in camp, there is still work to be done before the start of the regular season.
“No rookie has been more up and down than Williams.” Graff notes. “In short, he’s been exactly what his scouting report out of college was — a big-play machine whose hands let him down just a bit too much.
So far, Williams has had some of the biggest plays in camp, including a 40-yard touchdown from Drake Maye on a go route earlier this week. But he also has more drops than any other Pats receiver.”
With respect to him becoming the final starting WR, Graff still thinks that is very much on the table, however he will need to tone down the errors the team has seen to many of in camp up until now.
“If he can curb those, he could climb into that No. 3 receiver role. So far, however, there have just been too many mistakes like that to make him the no-doubt third option.”
Patriots Rookie Predicted To Have Real Shot of Winning Starting Role