Eliot Wolf Issues Direct Challenge to Kyle Williams Ahead of Crucial Second Season

The message from Foxborough was clear — and it wasn’t sugarcoated.

Eliot Wolf, executive vice president of player personnel for the New England Patriots, had a blunt assessment of second-year wide receiver Kyle Williams:

“The way we used him was as more of a speed player… He’s got more in him that he could show. He’s gotta get stronger.”

It wasn’t criticism — it was a challenge.

And 2026 may hinge on how Williams responds.

A Rookie Year Built on Explosiveness

Williams carved out a complementary role in the Patriots’ offense in 2025, finishing with:

• 10 receptions

• 209 receiving yards

• 3 touchdowns

Every touchdown he scored went for more than 30 yards. His longest reception — a 72-yard score against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — showcased the exact trait that made him valuable: vertical speed.

In fact, he became the first Patriots wide receiver since Chris Hogan in 2016 to record three receiving touchdowns of 30+ yards in a season.

He also stepped into kickoff return duties after Antonio Gibson suffered a season-ending injury — further proof of his versatility.

The flashes were real.

Now the Patriots want consistency.

What “Get Stronger” Really Means

At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Williams profiles as a speed-first receiver. Wolf’s comments suggest the team wants him to evolve beyond that label.

Adding strength could help him:

• Win contested catches

• Beat press coverage more consistently

• Improve blocking in the run game

• Handle a heavier snap count

The concern, of course, is balance. Adding muscle can sometimes compromise elite speed. But the Patriots clearly believe Williams can bulk up without sacrificing his separation ability.

He already has:

• Top-end acceleration

• Deep-ball tracking skills

• Route fluidity

• Big-play instincts

Strength would round out the profile.

A Crowded Receiver Room

Williams isn’t operating in a vacuum.

New England’s wide receiver depth includes:

• Stefon Diggs as the established No. 1

• Kayshon Boutte coming off a breakout season

• Demario Douglas in a steady role

Among Patriots receivers drafted in the last three years, Williams ranks third in production — behind Boutte and Douglas.

That’s promising.

But it also means competition is real.

A Defining Year Ahead

Wolf’s challenge wasn’t about potential — it was about progression.

Williams was a dynamic collegiate playmaker, particularly during his final season at Washington State, where he averaged over 17 yards per catch. The ability is there.

Now the Patriots want the leap.

Year Two in the NFL often separates flash from foundation. With a full offseason, added strength training, and deeper familiarity with the playbook, Williams has a chance to expand his role significantly.

New England wants to get younger. They want to get faster. And they want sustainable production.

Williams checks two of those boxes already.

Whether he checks the third may determine how large his role becomes in 2026.

The Patriots have depth — and they aren’t afraid to use it.

The challenge has been issued.

Now it’s on Kyle Williams to answer it.