Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney spoke glowingly about former Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams and what he’ll bring to the Washington Commanders after they selected him in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 71 overall pick.
“He’s as good as we’ve had when it comes to finishing on the ball, making plays, big plays in big moments, being very productive, and I think all that will translate to the next level,” Swinney said, via ESPN.
That wasn’t the extent of Swinney’s praise for Williams.
Swinney likened Williams, a two-time All-ACC selection, to a trio of former Clemson greats at the receiver position – Mike Williams, Hunter Renfrow and Sammy Watkins.
“He’s not as big as Mike Williams, but he can finish on the ball,” Swinney said. “Everything you loved about Hunter Renfrow – that short-area quickness, all that stuff, elite ball skills – he’s got all that. He’s just a little bit more physically advanced than Hunter. Everything you love about Sammy Watkins – the explosiveness and runs after the catch – Antonio can do all that. He’s not Sammy, but he’s got those qualities.
“He has these qualities that all the great ones that we’ve had possessed. Similar qualities, but he’s just his own guy.”
Williams recorded 2,336 yards and 21 touchdowns on 208 career receptions over 43 games (38 starts) as a Tiger from 2022-25. He exited Clemson ranked fourth in school history in career receptions and tied with Mike Williams for the fourth-most career touchdown receptions in school annals.
Williams became the 13th wide receiver in Swinney’s head coaching tenure to be drafted into the NFL. With the pick, Swinney passed Nick Saban (12) for the most wide receivers drafted among all coaches active or inactive since the 2009 NFL Draft.
Williams became the ninth Clemson player ever selected by Washington, and Williams’ selection at No. 71 overall marks the earliest Washington has selected a Clemson player since picking defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins with the No. 41 overall selection in 2011.
–Clemson Athletic Communications contributed to this story