Kyle Williams Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Images Justin Fine/Cal Sport Media)
School: Washington State
Class: Senior
Position: WR
HT: 5’11
WT: 190 lbs
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Background: Kyle Williams was a 3-star wide receiver recruit out of Inglewood, California. He was barely a top 100 player at the position and top 150 player in the state for the class of 2020. Williams played his football for St. Monica Catholic High School in Santa Monica. As a senior, Williams recorded 31 receptions for 763 yards and 9 touchdowns. In Williams’ past high school seasons, he played quarterback. Kyle Williams committed to play for UNLV over San Jose State, Colorado State, and San Diego State.
College: Williams spent three seasons at UNLV. Williams was twice named an All-Mountain West Academic Team member and was named to the Freshman All-American Second Team in 2020. In 2022, he had a productive season with 40 receptions for 541 yards and 5 touchdowns. After three years at UNLV, Williams transferred to Washington State. In his first season with the Cougars, Williams recorded 61 receptions for 843 yards and 6 touchdowns. In 2024, Williams took a huge step forward. He recorded 70 catches for 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Strengths: Kyle Williams has been one of the biggest risers in the pre-draft process. He combines sharp routes at every area of the field with elite speed to create separation and stretch defenses vertically. The 4.4 speed that Williams displayed at the combine absolutely translates to game speed. He does not utilize a ton of energy or effort to reach that top speed as he has quick acceleration. On those go routes, he does well to track the ball over his shoulder and follow it with his eyes until he hauls it in. He does not lose speed when turning over his shoulder. He can stay at his top speed while bringing in the football. To bring in footballs on the boundary, he is able to bend or move his body in unique ways to make the grab. His breaks are so violent and sharp without telegraphing his next move that it creates yards of separation. With the ball in his hands, Williams is creative and dangerous. He consistently shakes defenders in open space and can turn the burners on to go the distance. He is a home run threat on any given snap.
Weaknesses: Williams is not the biggest body and may get out-muscled by the longer boundary cornerbacks in the NFL. Williams struggles to high point the football at the catchpoint due to that lack of size. This can also be a problem when trying to stack corners on the boundary. If he does not beat the corner off the release with his acceleration and speed, he has trouble creating any separation. Williams has shown a concerning drop issue and will need to develop more consistent hands to be relied upon as a WR1.
Conclusion: Kyle Williams is a prolific weapon for any offense. His speed is truly rare and he can win in a variety of ways. If Williams is given an inch, he will take a mile. He is a home run threat on every play. His lack of strength or size may project him to a slot specific role, but that is largely dependent on the offense he I put in.
Scheme Fit: Shanahan Offense
Ideal Role: Slot/Gadget
Best Team Fits: SF, LAR, NYJ
Player Comparison: Jaylen Waddle
Player Grade: Round 2 (86.6)
