Kyle Williams has become a popular rookie riser after being selected in the first five picks of the third round by the New England Patriots. He was the 8th receiver off the board after barely falling short of 1,200 yards receiving in his final collegiate season. Williams played five seasons collectively in college, his first three with UNLV before transferring to Washington State in 2023. Some have drawn comparisons to Panthers and Ravens great Steve Smith.

Asked if he plays with a similar intensity as the former 16-year All-Pro, Williams confidently answered, “You’ll find out soon.”

Williams is a 5-foot-11, 190-pound big-play threat who averaged over 17 yards per reception in 2024. The Patriots brought in Stefon Diggs this offseason, but he remains the only addition to a wide-receiver corps consisting of DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, and Javon Baker. That’s a lot of names, but Diggs (31, coming off a season-ending ACL tear) and Bourne are the only ones who’ve caught more than 30 balls in the NFL.

It feels like the Patriots reached a little for Williams, as they’ve done repeatedly for lesser wide receivers in recent drafts. I worry about his size and frame, and his ability to separate in the NFL. I think he’s a quality third-round pick in rookie drafts, but I wouldn’t reach for him over guys like Jack Bech, Tre Harris, or Jayden Higgins.

Author: Blake Stachel (@bllakkay)