With the New England Patriots‘ depleted wide receiver room, compounded by Mack Hollins‘ non-contact calf injury, the team is in desperate need of a downfield threat that can take the top off the defense. Through four games this season, 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams has yet to produce much for the offense.
Speaking on 98.5 The Sports Hub, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald spoke on the receiver’s underwhelming performance so far this season.
“I want to see more from Kyle Williams because I really liked his tape coming out of college, and not many guys are that fast,” said Callahan.
“It’s not really a route tree right now with him; it’s more like a route pole. It’s just the goes; it’s comebacks.”
Callahan also noted that while Williams possesses elite straight-line speed, he has a tendency to slow down on in-breaking routes. This allows opposing defensive backs to close any separation and limits how offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels can utilize him beyond vertical routes.
Through four weeks, Williams has two receptions on seven targets for 44 yards.
Special Teams Impact
With Williams’ lack of targets, his best route to more offensive snaps is through the kicking game. Despite serving as the Patriots’ primary kick returner, even with his blazing speed, he has yet to break free for a long return. In 11 attempts, Williams has gained 273 yards for an average of 24.8 yards with a long of 34 yards.
If special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer doesn’t see improvement from Williams, he could explore other options such as Efton Chism III or Corey Kiner.
As the Patriots navigate a critical Week 5 matchup against the 3-1 Raiders, they will need more from their second-year receiver both on offense and special teams. If Williams can develop his “route pole” into a complete route tree, he won’t just provide a special teams jolt; he’ll give Drake Maye the dynamic vertical target the New England offense desperately needs.
