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We know Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is a huge fan of first-round linebacker Sonny Styles. That's not a surprise considering Quinn's longtime successful history as an NFL defensive coordinator. When the Commanders selected Styles with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Styles immediately told Quinn, "I told you, Coach," sharing that the two just knew he'd back in Washington after his official pre-draft visit.
However, Styles isn't the only Commanders' rookie that has already impressed Quinn.
Washington didn't have a second-round pick, but in the third round, it chose Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams at No. 71 overall. With the Commanders' need at wide receiver opposite Terry McLaurin, there was a clear opening to make an impact as a rookie. GM Adam Peters shared how he believed Williams could play outside or in the slot.
What does Quinn think about Williams?
"I think one thing that you see, like, right off the bat, like, man, this guy has feel," Quinn told the "Sports Junkies" on 106.7 The Fan on Friday.
"He knows when to stop. He knows how to adjust. He just has, like, awareness already as like a big-time receiver. He's got great hands, great movements to go. So, yeah, he's off to a helluva start. We've got 15 rookies here, that are kinda into the space, and he has definitely been one that has absolutely jumped out. He's got a real skill about him. So, yeah, we're really pumped about Antonio."
So, what jumped out about Williams in the pre-draft process?
"I think when you see him and when everybody sees him as a route-runner, you're gonna see him absolutely be able to break people off. It's option routes, in-breaking routes, out-breaking routes. All the different elements that go along with that as a route runner. He can stop, he can change directions, explosive. Those are a few of the things that jumps out to us."
Quinn wouldn't already be using the term "big-time receiver" if he didn't see Williams having a significant role during his rookie season. There have been Amon-Ra St. Brown comparisons for Williams because of his size and skillset, but also because the Commanders plan to employ an offense similar to the one St. Brown plays in for the Lions.
While Amon-Ra St. Brown is a lofty comparison for the rookie, remember that the Detroit star was once a fourth-round pick who quickly developed into a star, catching 90 passes as a rookie. In the four years since, St. Brown has never had fewer than 106 receptions in a season.
Could Williams make that type of impact for Washington?
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn calls Antonio Williams 'big time'
Continue reading...
However, Styles isn't the only Commanders' rookie that has already impressed Quinn.
Washington didn't have a second-round pick, but in the third round, it chose Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams at No. 71 overall. With the Commanders' need at wide receiver opposite Terry McLaurin, there was a clear opening to make an impact as a rookie. GM Adam Peters shared how he believed Williams could play outside or in the slot.
What does Quinn think about Williams?
"I think one thing that you see, like, right off the bat, like, man, this guy has feel," Quinn told the "Sports Junkies" on 106.7 The Fan on Friday.
"He knows when to stop. He knows how to adjust. He just has, like, awareness already as like a big-time receiver. He's got great hands, great movements to go. So, yeah, he's off to a helluva start. We've got 15 rookies here, that are kinda into the space, and he has definitely been one that has absolutely jumped out. He's got a real skill about him. So, yeah, we're really pumped about Antonio."
So, what jumped out about Williams in the pre-draft process?
"I think when you see him and when everybody sees him as a route-runner, you're gonna see him absolutely be able to break people off. It's option routes, in-breaking routes, out-breaking routes. All the different elements that go along with that as a route runner. He can stop, he can change directions, explosive. Those are a few of the things that jumps out to us."
Quinn wouldn't already be using the term "big-time receiver" if he didn't see Williams having a significant role during his rookie season. There have been Amon-Ra St. Brown comparisons for Williams because of his size and skillset, but also because the Commanders plan to employ an offense similar to the one St. Brown plays in for the Lions.
While Amon-Ra St. Brown is a lofty comparison for the rookie, remember that the Detroit star was once a fourth-round pick who quickly developed into a star, catching 90 passes as a rookie. In the four years since, St. Brown has never had fewer than 106 receptions in a season.
Could Williams make that type of impact for Washington?
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn calls Antonio Williams 'big time'
Continue reading...
