Former Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams is welcoming tough coaching from his new head coach as he prepares for his first season with the New England Patriots.
Williams signed a four-year, $104‑million contract with New England this offseason. Despite landing one of the biggest deals this offseason, he hasn’t been immune to hard coaching from Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
Speaking to reporters Monday, Williams said Vrabel had already yelled at him on the field.
“I’m kind of chilling until I get to the line, and then he said, ‘No, don’t let them catch you. If you can make it faster, do it,’” Williams told Mark Daniels of MassLive. “I’m like, ‘All right.’ Every rep since then, I’ve been trying to make sure I’m the first one back. I feel like it’s going to help me—push me to where I want to be.”
Williams later explained that he welcomed Vrabel’s tough approach because it would benefit the team.
“He wants me to go fast and empty the tank every rep,” he said. “I like that. I don’t think I’m bigger than the next person. I don’t mind him calling me out. Calling me out is going to help the other guys. We have no excuses.”
Williams is looking to become an even bigger factor for the Patriots after recording five sacks, 24 tackles, seven tackles for loss and a forced fumble for the Eagles last season while posting one of the highest pass-rush win rates in the league at 17.6 percent, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.