The New England Patriots entered the 2025 season with a clear vision under new head coach Mike Vrabel - and so far, that vision is beginning to take shape. Vrabel and his staff didn’t just tweak the roster around the edges; they went to work on every phase of the team, reshaping a group that needed a serious reset.
They leaned into defense in free agency, then pivoted to offense and special teams during the draft. And that full-spectrum approach has already started to pay off, especially for second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
Maye, who showed flashes of promise as a rookie, is now operating in a far more stable and supportive environment. The offensive line has been bolstered, giving him more time to operate - and more importantly, his receiving corps has taken a big leap forward.
The Patriots made a splash in free agency by signing Stefon Diggs, a proven veteran with elite route-running and big-play ability. Then, in the third round of the draft, they added speedster Kyle Williams, a dynamic young receiver who’s starting to turn heads in Foxborough.
Diggs has been everything the Patriots hoped for - and maybe more. From the moment he arrived, he brought not just production, but a level of professionalism and swagger that this offense sorely needed. But while Diggs has been the headline addition, Williams is starting to write his own story.
It took a little time for the rookie to find his footing, but over the past month, the Patriots have started to increase his usage - and the results have been eye-opening. Williams has flashed the kind of playmaking ability that makes you sit up and take notice.
He’s not just fast; he’s explosive. He doesn’t just run routes; he creates separation.
And when the ball’s in the air, he goes and gets it.
That potential was on full display during Sunday Night Football against the Ravens, when Williams hauled in a highlight-reel touchdown that showcased his athleticism and body control. It wasn’t just a great catch - it was a moment that made people around the league start to ask, “Who is this kid?”
One of those people was former Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer, who offered a comparison that’s bound to get fans buzzing. Watching Williams work, Hoyer said he sees shades of a young Stefon Diggs - and not just because they wear the same uniform.
“The release. The routes.
They’re learning from this guy,” Hoyer said, referencing Diggs’ influence on Williams. “He’s been so good for this team, this wide receiver room.”
That’s high praise, especially coming from a veteran who’s seen plenty of talent come through New England. And it speaks to something bigger: the Patriots might have found themselves not just one Diggs, but two - one established, one emerging.
For a third-round pick who wasn’t expected to be a focal point of the offense right away, Williams is already ahead of schedule. He’s still growing into his role, still learning the nuances of the NFL game. But if he’s already drawing Diggs comparisons, and getting to learn directly from the man himself, the ceiling is high - very high.
Now the challenge is consistency. The flashes are there.
The talent is obvious. What the Patriots need next is for Williams to keep stacking performances, to become a weekly factor in the game plan.
If that happens, New England’s offense - and Drake Maye’s development - could take a major leap forward.
Because if Kyle Williams really does have some Diggs in him, the Patriots just might have struck gold twice.