- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,129,841
- Reaction score
- 59
Antonio Williams is already drawing attention as a rookie to watch after beginning his NFL career with the Washington Commanders.
The former Clemsonfootball standout was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 71 overall pick, giving Washington another option to pair alongside Terry McLaurin in its passing attack. Williams signed his rookie deal earlier this month and is expected to battle for early playing time at receiver, particularly in the slot.
ESPN analyst Field Yates recently included Williams on his list of non-first-round rookies who could contribute immediately this season. Yates pointed to the former Tigers experience and polish as reasons he could see the field quickly in Washington.
“He is an extremely experienced, savvy, pro-ready wideout who can start in the slot from Day 1,” Yates wrote while discussing Williams’ fit with the Commanders offense.
Washington has been searching for more consistency around quarterback Jayden Daniels, and Williams’ ability to work underneath routes and keep drives alive could help him carve out a role quickly. He’ll enter camp competing with several young receivers for snaps, but many evaluators believe his reliability gives him a strong chance to stand out.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen also recently praised the selection, calling Williams an ideal fit in Washington’s offense because of his awareness and ability after the catch. Bowen noted that Williams consistently found openings in coverage during his Clemson career and projects as a dependable target on key downs.
Williams finished his time at Clemson among the most productive receivers in school history. Across four seasons, he hauled in 207 receptions for 2,336 yards and 21 touchdowns, tying former Tigers receiver Mike Williams for fourth on Clemson’s all-time touchdown receptions list.
His final season in 2025 showed off his versatility as well. In addition to catching 55 passes for 604 yards and four scores in 10 games, Williams contributed on the ground, on special teams and even threw a touchdown pass. Those all-around contributions helped him earn third-team All-ACC recognition before heading to the NFL.
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: Antonio Williams instant impact? Named of best picks from 2026 NFL Draft
Continue reading...
The former Clemsonfootball standout was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 71 overall pick, giving Washington another option to pair alongside Terry McLaurin in its passing attack. Williams signed his rookie deal earlier this month and is expected to battle for early playing time at receiver, particularly in the slot.
ESPN analyst Field Yates recently included Williams on his list of non-first-round rookies who could contribute immediately this season. Yates pointed to the former Tigers experience and polish as reasons he could see the field quickly in Washington.
“He is an extremely experienced, savvy, pro-ready wideout who can start in the slot from Day 1,” Yates wrote while discussing Williams’ fit with the Commanders offense.
Washington has been searching for more consistency around quarterback Jayden Daniels, and Williams’ ability to work underneath routes and keep drives alive could help him carve out a role quickly. He’ll enter camp competing with several young receivers for snaps, but many evaluators believe his reliability gives him a strong chance to stand out.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen also recently praised the selection, calling Williams an ideal fit in Washington’s offense because of his awareness and ability after the catch. Bowen noted that Williams consistently found openings in coverage during his Clemson career and projects as a dependable target on key downs.
Williams finished his time at Clemson among the most productive receivers in school history. Across four seasons, he hauled in 207 receptions for 2,336 yards and 21 touchdowns, tying former Tigers receiver Mike Williams for fourth on Clemson’s all-time touchdown receptions list.
His final season in 2025 showed off his versatility as well. In addition to catching 55 passes for 604 yards and four scores in 10 games, Williams contributed on the ground, on special teams and even threw a touchdown pass. Those all-around contributions helped him earn third-team All-ACC recognition before heading to the NFL.
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: Antonio Williams instant impact? Named of best picks from 2026 NFL Draft
Continue reading...
