Getty Patriots WR Kyle Williams

The Patriots made a raft of new additions in the 2025 offseason, and there are a handful who simply must work out if the team is to make any real progress after back-to-back four-win seasons. Stefon Diggs must be healthy and productive at wide receiver, for example, and the Patriots will need to hope, strenuously, that picking Will Campbell to play left tackle will not prove to be a mistake.

But the Patriots have also added some extras to this year’s crop of new guys, some players whose success is not absolutely necessary to the success of the team generally, but who could be eye-opening, pleasant surprises if everything goes just right. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson is one. Veteran safety Marcus Epps is another. But maybe the best upside gamble among the new Patriots is third-round pick Kyle Williams.

And on Thursday, Williams showed himself to have all the trappings of a potential star NFL wide receiver. Yes, we know he has speed and hands. But he also has a good bit of swagger.

Patriots Getting Some Swagger at WR

Speaking at a youth camp attended by Patriots rookies, Williams was funny in describing his approach to catching passes from quarterback Drake Maye.

Williams was asked about his mindset in his rookie year. “My mindset is don’t drop the money,” he said. “You know what I am saying? Every time the ball is there, that’s a bag of money, we can’t let that hit the floor because [then] that’s somebody else’s. So, just being able to make those plays, showing I can compete against those top-tier guys in the league, and it makes me excited.”

Williams was a third-round pick of the Patriots in April, and has been deemed a steal in this draft by several around the NFL. With Washington State last year, he put up 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns on 70 receptions. He is undersize at 5-foot-11, but he has 4.4 speed and the Patriots have touted him as a guy who can stretch the field on the sideline and is not afraid to go over the middle.

Patriots Have Struck Out on WRs

The Patriots are rebuilding the roster at every position, but especially at receiver, where the team has not had a 1,000-yard guy since 2019. Last year’s top receiver was DeMario Douglas, and he tallied only 621 yards.

Last year’s receiver draftees flopped in New England, at least as rookies. Ja’Lynn Polk had 12 catches for 87 yards on the year, and Javon Baker Baker had one for 12 yards. The challenge for Williams will be simply getting on the field.

“At this position, it’s a craft. It’s an art. You’ve got to take pride in your art,” Williams told reporters last month. “Just being able to have those little details is what’s going to turn you from great to elite. I’m trying to be elite.

“It’s been a blessing, a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m taking it day by day, but I want to see the field. If I can see the field, I’ll be happy. See the field and learn the playbook, that’s all I can do.”