With only two prospects entering the NFL draft from last year’s team, Cougar football and wide receiver Kyle Williams continued to get more good news on Thursday when Williams was included on the NFL Scouting Combine invites list.
Williams will be headed to Indianapolis with 328 other players to show off their talents to NFL scouts and prepare for the NFL draft. Players compete in a series of drills that highlight their specific talents and physical traits. Wide receivers typically compete in most of the same drills as the other offensive skill positions, but receive extra emphasis on the forty-yard dash, 3-cone drill and vertical jump.
Notably, fellow draft declaree Esa Pole was not invited to the combine. Listed as a tackle on Pro Football Focus, Pole is No. 284 on the site’s big board and his 6-foot-7, 319-pound frame could be a potential big draw for teams looking to add size up front. Pole allowed zero sacks in 13 games last season for the Cougs.
The Cougs’ leading receiver in 2024 was reportedly a standout at the Senior Bowl practices after being invited in early January. Williams was the fastest receiver in practice, recording a top speed of 21.36 miles per hour. That number equates to a 40-yard dash time of about 3.83, but Williams’ quick release and lighter frame will likely help him showcase his speed.
Williams officially measured in at 5-foot-10, 182 pounds at the Senior Bowl. He also measured in at a wingspan of 72.25 inches and hand size of 8.75 inches, both considered to be average to below average.
Despite his physical traits working against him, Williams was still one of the strongest performers at a practice that effectively served as a pro scouting session, especially important in a class that is not necessarily considered deep at receiver.
Williams has been considered a riser amongst NFL scouts, with multiple ESPN observers highlighting major positives from Williams, specifically the Senior Bowl practices.
“Williams stood out in one-on-ones against a good defensive back group. Quick feet are his calling card, but he finished plays with strong hands and makes himself a bigger target for quarterbacks than his 5-foot-10, 182-pound frame would suggest,” draft analyst Matt Miller said.
Fellow analyst Jordan Reid had similarly positive words for Williams.
“Williams was exceptional on Day 2 and my top performer on the American team,” Reid said. “He started by comfortably catching punts during the special teams period, then showed off his route running ability in an excellent one-on-one session. The 5-foot-10, 182-pounder has slightly above-average speed, but it was his ability to mix and match tempos that kept cornerbacks off balance. Multiple scouts I talked to were complimentary of his performance during the first two days.”
Both scouts reported early Day 3 to late Day 2 grades (around rounds three and four) on Williams, a big upgrade from his status in early draft season where he was not appearing on many big boards and his draft probablity was up in the air. Williams is also now ranked No. 152 in 2025 draft by PFF, and 18th among wide receivers. He is ahead of key names such as San Jose State’s Nick Nash, the second-leading receiver in FBS, and Maryland’s Tai Felton.
Williams recorded 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, good enough for second and fourth in WSU single-season history. He also set a Holiday Bowl record for receiving yards against No. 21 Syracuse, going for 172 yards on 10 catches. The previous record was held by Dallas Cowboys legend Dez Bryant.
