FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - In a display of talent during the preseason, Kyle Williams, the second-year wide receiver for the New England Patriots, caught three touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles on August 22, 2026, all from the same route: a go ball. This performance highlighted his ability as a deep threat, a role he has embraced since being drafted in the third round in 2025.
Despite his success with the go route, Williams is eager to demonstrate that his skill set extends far beyond just being a vertical threat. "I’ve been hearing that my whole life man, so I wouldn’t really say it’s a chip on my shoulder," Williams commented. "I know what I can do. I know I’m more than just a vertical guy. Whatever my role is, that’s my role, and I’m gonna accept it." His confidence reflects a broader understanding of the game as he prepares for his second season.
Last season, Williams primarily played on the outside, with one-third of his routes being go balls, placing him among the highest in the NFL for that route type. With the recent trade of Kayshon Boutte, who also had a high rate of deep routes, Williams' ability to stretch the field will be crucial for the Patriots' offense. The team has made efforts to enhance their wide receiver depth, but the new additions, such as A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, do not possess the same elite speed that Williams brings.
Quarterback Drake Maye, known for his proficiency in throwing deep passes, will be looking to utilize Williams’ speed effectively. However, as Williams enters his second year, he is focused on diversifying his route-running abilities. This offseason, he has dedicated time to mastering intermediate routes and adapting to a more versatile role within the Patriots' offense, moving away from the outside position he occupied last year.
"In college, I really wasn’t exposed to too many intermediate routes. So now I’m getting that opportunity to do it," Williams explained. "So Year 1 to Year 2 it’s definitely been night and day. Now it’s just that ball finding me across the middle and everything so I can really showcase what I’ve been working on." This evolution in his game is vital as he seeks to increase his impact on the field.
Learning the intricacies of Josh McDaniels' offensive system poses a challenge for any wide receiver, and Williams has noted that adapting to the speed of the NFL and making quick decisions has been a significant hurdle. However, he feels positive about his growth during training camp. Wide receivers coach Todd Downing praised Williams' progress, emphasizing the importance of experience in adapting to the faster pace of the professional game.
As the Patriots prepare for their regular season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, Williams is keen on continuing his development and solidifying his place in a competitive wide receiver room. "I feel like I bring a lot, just as much as the other guys do," he stated. "So, I mean, I don’t really want to single myself out, but as a whole room, I feel like we nasty. I feel like we got a nasty group." With this mindset, Williams is ready to contribute to the Patriots' success this season.
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