Patriots rookie wideout Kyle Williams has already been compared to former NFL great Steve Smith.
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)
Washington State wide receiver Kyle Williams joins quarterback Drake Maye and the New England Patriots in 3rd round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Williams transferred to Washington State and had a great season. He posted 70 catches for 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024, closing the year ranked 10th in this class with 2.71 yards per route run. Williams has elite yards after catch and man-beating ability. Williams will be an instant boost to the New England offense teaming up with 2nd year quarterback Drake Maye. Williams automatically becomes the best playmaking receiver on the team. At 5’11 and 190 lbs, Williams may need to run more slot routes than he did in college. Although his skillset in the slot will be very dangerous to opposing defenses.
Kyle Williams is great pick in all formats of fantasy, stacking picks with Drake Maye and Trey Hendrickson can be a winning strategy, especially in best ball. Williams should be a great fantasy pick for years to come being paired with Maye. Williams will be a very popular pick which will drive up his ADP, hop on the train and ride this pick to the playoffs.
Author: Jesse Baldwin @J_baldwin51
Former wide receiver for Washington State Kyle Williams has nine pre-draft visits scheduled.
Washington State wide receiver Kyle Williams is generating significant interest ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, with nine teams having scheduled official pre-draft visits with him. The 5-foot-10, 182-pound playmaker is known for his explosive speed and deep-threat abilities. His last season in college he recorded 70 receptions for 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Williams’ pre-draft visits include the Seattle Seahawks, which he participated in their 30-player visit program. Also, the San Francisco 49ers have scheduled a visit with him, indicating their interest in adding depth to their receiving corps. Other teams reportedly expressing interest include the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, and Tennessee Titans. Which they are set to take Cam Ward 1st overall. Would be interesting if Williams would go to Titans, where they played with each other two years ago.
Author: Jake Lewis (@Lewylewis5)