FOXBORO \u2014 Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams has already shown some of the growth that head coach Mike Vrabel expressed enthusiasm about three months ago at the NFL Scouting Combine.<\/p>\n
Vrabel said back in February that he was excited to watch Williams\u2019 development from a rookie in 2025 to a second-year player this season.<\/p>\n
Williams said Wednesday during a team community event held on the Patriots\u2019 practice field behind the New Balance Athletics Center that he bulked up this offseason.<\/p>\n
The 5-foot-11 Washington State product played last year at \u201c185 (pounds) soaking wet.\u201d He\u2019s up somewhere around 191-to-193 pounds now.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlay strength was definitely something that I wanted to emphasize on, and I knew that I need to get my lower half stronger and bulk up a little bit, coming across the middle, getting off of press and all that type of stuff,\u201d Williams said. \u201cSo, that was one of my biggest emphases was mobility and just putting on a little weight.\u201d<\/p>\n
So, how\u2019d he do it? A lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, a lot of protein, food from the Patriots\u2019 training facility and candy.<\/p>\n
Williams caught 10 passes on 21 targets for 209 yards with three touchdowns in 17 games last season<\/a>. He added two catches on six targets for 14 yards in four postseason games.<\/p>\n The Patriots cut wide receiver Stefon Diggs this offseason but signed former Packers free agent Romeo Doubs in his stead. The team also seems likely to add wide receiver A.J. Brown via trade with the Eagles after June 1.<\/p>\n That gives the Patriots a crowded wide receiver room. Brown and Doubs would be locks to start. A third starting spot would come down to Williams, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism, Jeremiah Webb and rookies Nick DeGennaro, Kyle Dixon, Cameron Dorner and Jimmy Kibble.<\/p>\n