FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Kyle Williams had his fair share of ups and downs during his rookie season, so coming into this season, he was excited to make the Year 2 jump and prove that he could be a consistent presence on the offense.
However, training camp has brought up some questions about his future with the team as Williams has spent a lot of time with the second- and third-team units, not taking as many reps with Drake Maye and the other starters.
But, Mike Vrabel's comments made one thing very clear: the wide receiver isn't going anywhere.
"I really, really know that Kyle is going to help us," Vrabel began. "His speed is going to help us. And I don't want to use this and get this to be overblown, and I'm going to use the word scheme or – He's got
a skill set, right? We're going to find ways to get him the ball, and it may be outside of just the normal installation plays, but that's my responsibility, that's Josh [McDaniels'] responsibility, that's Todd [Downing's] responsibility, is to put him in those positions where we see the speed that showed up last year.
"And so, I know that he is going to be a large part of what we're going to do, and those opportunities will continue to come. His release skills, his speed, his vertical speed, those are all things that we have to continue to take advantage of as we progress. And it's a great room. It's a good competitive room. And by competing and getting out there every single day, those will by nature increase his opportunities."
The Patriots have a loaded wide receiver room, with A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs and DeMario Douglas appearing to be at the top of the depth chart, followed by Kayshon Boutte, who is still considered a potential trade candidate. After him, it's Mack Hollins. But then, it's Williams along with Chism.
If New England carries all of the receivers, that would be seven on the active roster, which is unusual given the needs for depth at the other positions. But Vrabel simply said "sure" when asked if it's a possibility they do so. And both Williams and Chism provide very different skill sets and can participate on special teams, making them even more valuable.
It might be a crowded receiver room, but Williams has impressed Vrabel and the coaching staff, who see a high ceiling for the second-year pass catcher.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots HC Mike Vrabel sends strong message on Kyle Williams' future
