Milton Williams Says 'It's Gonna Get Nasty' Joining Keion White on Patriots

The New England Patriots made a major addition to their defense this offseason when they signed Milton Williams, and the defensive tackle already knows which teammate he is looking forward to playing alongside in 2025.

"Keion White, I see a lot of myself in him," Williams said during an appearance on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast (h/t Bobby Kownack of NFL.com). "Just how he carries himself, how he goes about his business, how he works. Similar body type. 6-4, 6-5, 280 (pounds), 290. Fast. Strong. 

"Got everything in the toolbox to really line up wherever, having that versatility to play inside, outside. I pride myself on being able to do the same thing. So, I already told him, like, if we end up on the same side when it's time to go rush, it's gonna get nasty. It's gonna get nasty for sure."

White was a second-round pick in the 2023 draft and turned the corner as a primary contributor in his second season in 2024.

He posted 56 tackles, five sacks, five passes defended and two forced fumbles from his defensive end spot as a bright spot on a 4-13 team. And it would be anything but surprising if he takes another jump during his third season.

Not only will White be more experienced at the NFL level, he will be playing next to a space-eater in Williams who can occupy double teams and open up blitzing lanes. 

Williams can also assume more of the responsibility in stopping the run up the middle, which will free up the defensive ends on the outside to take more chances and pursue the quarterback on play-action dropbacks.

New England was 22nd in the league in points allowed and yards allowed during the 2024 campaign and will need to be much better on the defensive side if it is going to compete with the Buffalo Bills and others in the AFC East.

Pairing Williams and White up front will make the entire defense better as they attack the quarterback, stuff the run and ensure the secondary will have to guard receivers for less time on passing downs.

As Williams put it, the defense could be "nasty" as a result.