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A favorable depth chart and a polished skill set could help Antonio Williams make an impact sooner rather than later with the Washington Commanders.
The former Clemson receiver was selected with the No. 71 overall pick in the third round of April’s NFL Draft, and CBS Sports analyst Josh Edwards believes he is one of several Day 2 and Day 3 NFC rookies capable of earning meaningful snaps as a first-year player.
Williams enters a situation where there appears to be a path to immediate playing time. Edwards noted that Washington lost a significant amount of slot production from last season, opening the door for the rookie to compete for a prominent role.
“Eight wide receivers were drafted before Williams, but few have a more immediate path to competition,” Edwards wrote. “Williams played 92.4% of his 2025 snaps out of the slot, according to TruMedia. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end Zach Ertz played a nearly 650 combined snaps in the slot last season, first and second most on the team. Neither of those players is currently on the roster. Williams’ biggest returning competition would be last year’s fourth-round pick Jaylin Lane and 2024 third-round pick Luke McCaffrey.”
During his four seasons at Clemson, Williams developed into one of the most accomplished pass catchers in school history. He finished his career with 208 receptions for 2,336 yards and 21 touchdowns, earning All-ACC recognition twice while climbing into the Tigers’ top five all-time in both receptions and touchdown catches.
His final season showcased the versatility that made him attractive to NFL teams. In 10 games, Williams recorded 55 receptions for 604 yards and four scores, added a rushing touchdown, threw a 75-yard touchdown pass and contributed on special teams.
Edwards also highlighted the technical aspects of Williams’ game, believing his route-running ability should translate quickly to the professional level.
“Williams had been explosive and productive in his time with the Tigers,” Edwards added. “There is nuance to his game in how he can flatten routes across the field and snap off comeback routes. The South Carolina product is immediately one of the three best receivers on that roster.”
The Commanders are hoping Williams can become another reliable weapon for quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has already been impressed by what he has seen from the rookie.
“He’s a smooth kid and very crafty within his routes,” Daniels said, via SB Nation. “I’m excited to continue to build that rapport with him.”
For a player who spent much of his Clemson career proving he could be counted on in big moments, the chance to earn a significant role as a rookie appears to be there. Now, Williams will have the opportunity to show he can turn that potential into production at the next level.
Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Former Clemson star Antonio Williams named instant-impact rookie by analyst
Continue reading...
The former Clemson receiver was selected with the No. 71 overall pick in the third round of April’s NFL Draft, and CBS Sports analyst Josh Edwards believes he is one of several Day 2 and Day 3 NFC rookies capable of earning meaningful snaps as a first-year player.
Williams enters a situation where there appears to be a path to immediate playing time. Edwards noted that Washington lost a significant amount of slot production from last season, opening the door for the rookie to compete for a prominent role.
“Eight wide receivers were drafted before Williams, but few have a more immediate path to competition,” Edwards wrote. “Williams played 92.4% of his 2025 snaps out of the slot, according to TruMedia. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end Zach Ertz played a nearly 650 combined snaps in the slot last season, first and second most on the team. Neither of those players is currently on the roster. Williams’ biggest returning competition would be last year’s fourth-round pick Jaylin Lane and 2024 third-round pick Luke McCaffrey.”
During his four seasons at Clemson, Williams developed into one of the most accomplished pass catchers in school history. He finished his career with 208 receptions for 2,336 yards and 21 touchdowns, earning All-ACC recognition twice while climbing into the Tigers’ top five all-time in both receptions and touchdown catches.
His final season showcased the versatility that made him attractive to NFL teams. In 10 games, Williams recorded 55 receptions for 604 yards and four scores, added a rushing touchdown, threw a 75-yard touchdown pass and contributed on special teams.
Edwards also highlighted the technical aspects of Williams’ game, believing his route-running ability should translate quickly to the professional level.
“Williams had been explosive and productive in his time with the Tigers,” Edwards added. “There is nuance to his game in how he can flatten routes across the field and snap off comeback routes. The South Carolina product is immediately one of the three best receivers on that roster.”
The Commanders are hoping Williams can become another reliable weapon for quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has already been impressed by what he has seen from the rookie.
“He’s a smooth kid and very crafty within his routes,” Daniels said, via SB Nation. “I’m excited to continue to build that rapport with him.”
For a player who spent much of his Clemson career proving he could be counted on in big moments, the chance to earn a significant role as a rookie appears to be there. Now, Williams will have the opportunity to show he can turn that potential into production at the next level.
Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Former Clemson star Antonio Williams named instant-impact rookie by analyst
Continue reading...
