Patriots rookie Kyle Williams explains ‘don’t drop the money’ mindset
"Every time the ball is there, it’s a bag of money."
NFL receivers make their living by catching passes. Patriots rookie Kyle Williams can see the consequences in every drop.
Making plays increases your odds of staying on the field. Botching too many plays can invite someone else in to take your spot.
“My mindset is don’t drop the money. Every time the ball is there, it’s a bag of money,” Williams said, per WEEI’s Meghan Ottolini. “We can’t let that hit the floor, because [then] that’s somebody else’s.”
“Just being able to make those plays, just showing that I can compete against those top-tier guys in the league.”
The speedy third-round pick hopes that mind-set will help him carve out a niche in New England. He showed flashes of his talent at OTAs, including a deep touchdown catch from back up quarterback Josh Dobbs.
Now that OTAs are over, Ottolini wrote, Williams and the other rookies are still around for a development program.
“Just working it out, going over the schemes and plays. Getting accustomed and all caught up,” he said. “It’s just been a blessing to be around the rookies, create more bonds and everything, relationships.”
Williams caught 70 passes for 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns during his senior season at Washington State. He was a big play threat for the Cougars, averaging 17.1 yards per reception.
The Patriots have not had many explosive playmakers over the last few seasons. They’ve finished in bottom-three of the league in points scored the last two seasons. They haven’t had a 1,000 yard receiver since Julian Edelman years ago. None of their receivers topped 700 yards last season.
New England has poured some resources into the receiver room, signing Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in the offseason, along with drafting Williams.
Wide receiver was a weak spot for the Patriots last year. As they try to improve at the position, one young player had a catchy way of summing up the mentality he brings to the group.
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