Williams made a strong impression in rookie minicamp.
Growing up, Kyle Williams always had a dream to play in the NFL. In order to work towards that goal the wide receiver made sure to study some of the top receivers in the league.
That included watching now New England Patriots teammate Stefon Diggs.
“The NFL has always been my dream. So in order to get there, you have to watch the people that’s been there and done that,” Williams said Friday after day one of rookie minicamp. “Diggs was just somebody that I always watched as a kid, and multiple other receivers, so being able to learn from their tools and add it to my bag is just something I do and consistently do on a daily basis.”
As Friday marked Williams’ first weekend in Foxboro, he has not yet got the chance to cross paths with Diggs, who is rehabbing from a torn ACL. That day will soon come and is one Williams has been looking forward too for quite some time.
“I’m still waiting for him to get here,” Williams said with a smile. “Once that happens, my childhood is basically complete.”
The additions of Diggs and Williams were two of the biggest for the Patriots’ offense this season — specifically when it comes to helping second-year quarterback Drake Maye. While a healthy Diggs has shown what he can do in the league, New England’s third-round pick this year has the skillset to be an immediate contributor.
Coming off a career-year at Washington State — which included 1,198 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns — Williams has the ability to win off the line of scrimmage and downfield with his natural speed. He also was one of the best receivers in college football last year after the catch averaging a career best 8.4 yards.
The ability was seen on the Patriots’ first day of rookie minicamp as Williams hauled in a handful of catches. But, that marks just the start for the 22-year old as plenty of work remains to reach the status of Diggs and those he watched growing up.
“I feel like at this position it’s a craft, it’s art, and you got to take pride in your art,” Williams said. “So just being able to have those little details is what’s going to turn you from great to elite. And I’m trying to be elite.”