Former Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams is starting his NFL career in the nation’s capital after being selected by the Washington Commanders in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Williams was picked on Day 2 of the draft, in the third round with the No. 71 overall selection, and he’s now officially a Commander after signing his rookie contract with Washington on May 8.
Williams is expected to compete for immediate playing time in Washington’s receiving corps as a threat in the slot, and ESPN’s Field Yates tabbed Williams among the NFL rookies with instant impact.
Yates highlighted 10 players on offense and 10 on defense, selected between the second and seventh rounds, whom he expects to “make the greatest immediate impact as rookies” – and Williams made the list as one of those offensive players.
“Draft position and fit are why Williams cracks this list,” Yates wrote. “He is an extremely experienced, savvy, pro-ready wideout who can start in the slot from Day 1. The Commanders needed receiver help alongside Terry McLaurin, and Williams will compete with players such as Dyami Brown and Luke McCaffrey for snaps. I love Williams’ instincts, as he was a persistent chain-mover at Clemson.”
Williams was also recently pegged as a perfect draft pick fit by ESPN’s Matt Bowen.
Bowen believes Williams found his ideal NFL fit with the Commanders.
“Williams will fill a slot role for Washington under new coordinator David Blough. He has the coverage awareness to find soft spots, and he uses his strong vision to slither past defenders after the catch,” Bowen wrote.
“Williams, who caught 207 passes over four seasons at Clemson, can make himself available to the quarterback at a high rate. He should be viewed as a reliable target for Jayden Daniels when the Commanders need to move the sticks.”
Williams left Clemson ranking fourth in school history in career catches, while racking up 2,336 receiving yards and 21 receiving touchdowns across 43 games. The two-time All-ACC selection also tied Mike Williams for the fourth-most career touchdown receptions in school history.
In 2025, Williams caught 55 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns over 10 games. The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder also rushed 13 times for 78 yards and a touchdown, completed a 75-yard touchdown pass and gained 44 yards on four punt returns en route to third-team All-ACC honors.
