Karen Guregian’s football analysis is sponsored by Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, a Leading Boston Personal Injury Firm.
Kyle Williams flashed at times during his rookie season. The Patriots wide receiver teased with his speed, and playmaking ability.
He just didn’t do enough to validate his standing as a third round pick. But there’s still time for him to emerge as a fixture in the Patriots offense.
Before leaving for the offseason, Mike Vrabel and the offensive coaches left him armed with a plan to help make those flashes more the norm, than the exception.
They singled out areas they hoped he would work on during the offseason to improve. By the sound of it, it was one part tutorial, one part pep talk.
And Williams, who finished the year with 10 receptions for 209 yards and three touchdowns, can’t wait to get to work.
“I feel like this offseason is going to separate me. How I approach it, how I prepare for it and how I stay committed to the process,” Williams said. “They gave me some bullet points, and what I should be doing. I think this offseason is going to be a big jump, OTAs is going to be a big jump for me.”
On his to-do list?
The 5-11, 190-pound receiver needs to gain play strength put a few more muscle on that slender frame.
Next, he has to work on hip flexibility with some yoga and pilates to help with his change of direction and explosiveness.
“I’ve got some stiff hips,” said Williams, who caught one pass for seven yards in the Super Bowl loss to Seattle. “I have to apply some WD-40 on those hips.”
Finally, Williams needs to work on his route-running, especially when he hits the top of the route.
“Off the line I’m pretty good,” Williams said. “At the beginning of the route I’m good. At the top, I definitely need some work.”