In the exhilarating yet unforgiving arena of the NFL, rookie wide receivers like Kyle Williams often endure a nerve-wracking wait for their moment in the spotlight – but for this promising New England Patriots prospect, the outlook is surprisingly encouraging!
Last Sunday's clash against the New Orleans Saints marked a potential breakthrough for Williams in his budding career. He logged a career-best 14 offensive snaps, which are essentially the number of plays he was on the field for, and for the first time, multiple passes were directed his way. In football terms, these 'targets' mean the quarterback aimed the ball at him, giving him a real chance to shine.
But here's where it gets controversial – despite these opportunities, the third-round draftee couldn't secure either of his two targets, leaving him still stuck at a modest two receptions for just 20 yards after six games in the league. It's a stat line that might leave fans scratching their heads, wondering if he's truly ready for prime time.
Yet, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels isn't sweating it. Speaking on Thursday, he shared a reassuring perspective: 'What we’ve done is look at the things we’re doing when the ball doesn’t come to you,' he explained. 'Are you doing the right things? A lot of times he is. And I keep saying — I’ve said that I feel like I broken record — the ball hasn’t quite found him on certain things yet, but if it does, then we’ll see what that looks like.'
To put this into simpler terms for newcomers to the game, McDaniels is emphasizing that football success isn't always about the end result – it's about executing your role perfectly, even when the spotlight isn't on you. It's like being a reliable teammate in a team sport; your contributions off the ball can set up future success.
Williams arrives with an impressive pedigree from his college days at UNLV and Washington State, where he racked up 248 receptions for a whopping 3,608 yards and 29 touchdowns. These numbers paint a picture of a dynamic receiver who excelled at the collegiate level. That's why the Patriots selected him with the 69th overall pick in this year's draft, aiming to bolster a wide receiver corps that had struggled with productivity in the prior two seasons.
And this is the part most people miss – while the team as a whole shows signs of improvement, Williams' individual impact has been limited so far. Beyond those two catches, he also contributed negatively with a two-yard loss on a rushing play. Overall, he's played in just 64 snaps, accounting for about 17% of the team's total plays, positioning him as the fifth option among wide receivers.
Still, McDaniels remains upbeat, viewing Williams as a player who's on the right track and poised for rewards. 'The fact that he continues to practice well, continues to have the ability to play at multiple positions gives him the ability to be in the game,' he noted. 'We’re not like, ‘Hey, put him in a position where he can’t get it.’ He’s in there running plays. Last week he subbed in for [Stefon] Diggs, he subbed in for [Kayshon] Boutte, he subbed in for the slot receiver, so I think opportunities are there.'
For beginners, this versatility means Williams can fill in at different roles on the field, like outside or inside positions, making him a valuable asset regardless of the game plan. McDaniels added that Williams stays engaged daily in practice, mastering his assignments like a pro. Drawing parallels to other receivers such as DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, he believes success will come with persistence. 'He’s present and available every day at practice. He’s doing a really good job of understanding his assignments. And like I’ve said about [DeMario Douglas] and Kayshon and Diggs and different guys at different times, I think it’ll find him. We just have to continue to try to press forward on the process of doing the right thing. And I’m excited when he gets his opportunity, I really am. I’m looking forward to it.'
But is McDaniels' optimism just standard coach enthusiasm, or does it reflect a genuine belief in Williams' potential? Some might argue that the NFL is a results-driven league, where stats speak louder than intangibles – yet others could counter that patience with young talent often pays off in the long run. What do you think? Is the Patriots' approach to developing rookies like Williams a smart strategy, or are they setting themselves up for disappointment? Share your thoughts in the comments below – do you agree with McDaniels' take, or do you see a different path ahead for this rising star?
