ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the New England Patriots have signed rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams to an undisclosed contract. The 22-year-old was selected with the fifth pick in the third round of April's draft, and projects to immediately compete for snaps in a Patriots' wide receiver corps that offers little behind veteran Stefon Diggs (knee). While Diggs is reportedly working back quickly from a torn ACL, Williams offers lethal playmaking ability as a deep threat. He gives New England's offense a new dimension as they continue to build around young signal-caller Drake Maye. Despite the Washington State product's more diminutive stature, he spent most of his time out wide during his final season in college. It seems likely he'll move into more of a slot role in the NFL, but it shows his versatility and only stands to benefit him as he adjusts to the pros.
Patriots Add Wide Receiver Kyle Williams In Round 3
The Patriots added a receiver early in the third round by selecting Kyle Williams from Washington State with the No. 69 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After addressing other needs in the first two rounds, the Pats snagged Williams, who has many advanced analytics that are as strong as the other receivers at the top of the class. He has great ability after the catch and broke out as a fifth-year senior last year with 70 catches for 1,196 yards and 14 touchdowns in the Cougars pass-heavy offense. He's 5'11" but has true 4.4 speed. His big-play ability should immediately make him one of Drake Maye's most explosive options in the offense, and he could develop into the team's WR2 behind Stefon Diggs as early as this season.