KyleWilliams

News: 5 days agoDespite Williams' modest role in training camp to date, coach Mike Vrabel says that the Patriots want to find ways to keep the 2025 third-rounder involved in the offense this season, Zack Cox of the Boston Herald reports.

Spin: "I really, really know that Kyle is going to help us," Vrabel noted Friday. "His speed is going to help us...we're going to find ways to get him the ball, and it may be outside of just the normal installation plays." As a rookie, Williams caught 10 of 21 targets for 209 yards and three touchdowns in 17 regular-season contests in 2025, but it's notable that those three scores all came on big plays. For now, Williams seems to be facing an uphill battles in terms of earning steady playing time in a crowded WR room, but if transactions or injuries change the composition of the unit, the Washington State product could make his mark as a complementary target alongside top options A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Williams showed some flashes as a rookie, but he has a tough path to a Year 2 breakout. The 2025 third-round pick didn't see the field much (31% snap share), but he scored three touchdowns on 21 targets, all of which came from Week 10 on. He was utilized as a situational deep threat (17.6 aDOT), which led to a low catch rate (48%) but plenty of big plays (20.9 YPR). That role may not change much in 2026, as Williams will now compete with newcomers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, as well as incumbents Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins for targets in a good New England offense led by Drake Maye. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a path to fantasy consistency and is best stashed only in dynasty.