Patriots’ Mike Vrabel Reveals What Kyle Williams Has Done To Improve originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots saw Kyle Williams emerge as a big-play threat last season, but Mike Vrabel revealed what he’s done to improve in the offseason.
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Williams’ speed stood out in his rookie season, but he still had room to improve and become a complete receiver. While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Vrabel revealed William’s commitment to getting stronger.
“We always try to give players the things that they’ve done well and the things that they can try to enhance and their areas of focus,” Vrabel said. “Kyle’s strength and his ability to manage as a speed player has improved, and he’s really talking to the strength coaches. He’s embraced that idea of lifting and how critical that is for all players, but especially a younger one as a receiver. You saw him really have some great flashes last year. The other thing that’s really critical with receivers is once they can know more than one position, it really opens up their opportunities in what they can do as opposed to just being a one-position player. Kyle’s now – you’ll see him at different places today.”
Williams scored three touchdowns last season, all of which were from at least 30 yards out. His speed was on full display during a 72-yard touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Eliot Wolf noted during the offseason that he wanted Williams to get bigger, and it looks like he has been working to do that.
“The way we used him was as more of a speed player, which he definitely has,” Wolf said on Feb. 24. “He’s got more in him that he can show. He’s gotta get stronger, and I think he’d be the first one to tell you that. The fact that he was able to play in all 21 games for us is a testament to his ability to be available.”
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With Stefon Diggs gone, Williams could have more opportunities to shine. Romeo Doubs was brought in, but he has never had even an 800-yard season. Even if the Patriots add A.J. Brown, Williams could earn himself a bigger role with the work he put in this offseason.
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