Patriots draft 2025: Instant grade for Kyle Williams in 3rd round

The New England Patriots continue to add speed and explosivity to their offense. After picking running back TreVeyon Henderson earlier on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, they added wide receiver Kyle Williams in the third round.

Let’s grade the pick.

Instant grade: Patriots draft Kyle Williams 69th overall

Bernd: New England picking a wide receiver in the third round did not come as much of a surprise, and neither did them drafting Williams. While there were other similarly- or even higher-graded wideouts available, he looks like a player who should instantly build a rapport with Drake Maye due to his speed and ability to separate. The Patriots needed both, and they got it. | Grade: A-

Brian: The Patriots address the receiver room with needed speed and a pure separator plus big play threat — as Williams was one of the top receivers in college football after the catch and on targets 20-plus yards down field. | Grade: A

Matt: On Day 2 of the NFL Draft, the Patriots reached for a wide receiver. Sound familiar? After picking Tyquan Thornton at 50 when he was ranked at 165 in 2022 and picking Ja’Lynn Polk at 37 when he was ranked at 62 in 2024, New England selected No. 82 Kyle Williams at pick 69 in 2025. There is a lot to like about Williams, and maybe this time reaching works out, but taking him with three different prospects ranked ahead of him at the position does not seem like good process. | Grade: C-

Pat: The Patriots needed to add speed to their offense, and they continue to do it with Kyle Williams. I don’t know if he can play on the outside, but the Patriots need someone that can take the top off the defense, and they get that with Williams. The Patriots have to fill some more holes, but they’re building their offense around Drake Maye, and I love it. | Grade: A

The Patriots’ next draft pick is set to come at No. 77 later in the third round. Their biggest remaining needs include edge and off-ball linebacker.

What do you think about this draft pick, though? Do you like it? Do you not? Please head to the comment section to discuss.

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