In an ESPN offseason preview of the 2026 NFL season, NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid highlighted five rookies “who could have a big impact despite not being picked in Round 1” of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Former Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams was named among those “underrated rookies.”

Williams was picked on Day 2 of April’s draft, when the Washington Commanders took him in the third round with the No. 71 overall selection.

“Outside of Terry McLaurin, the Commanders don’t have a dependable threat in their receiving corps,” Reid wrote. “That should leave Williams with a lot of opportunities in the team’s new look under offensive coordinator David Blough. He will likely play mostly in the slot, where his route running and shifty playmaking ability can shine.”

Along with Williams, the other underrated rookies identified by Reid are Kansas City Chiefs edge R Mason Thomas, Miami Dolphins linebacker Kyle Louis, Chicago Bears center Logan Jones and Buffalo Bills wide receiver Skyler Bell.

Williams left Clemson ranking fourth in school history in career catches with 208, while racking up 2,336 receiving yards and 21 receiving touchdowns across 43 games from 2022-25. 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.

Williams was also mentioned by ESPN NFL analyst Ben Solak as a name to watch in the Commanders wide receiver competition at minicamps and training camps this summer.

“Washington has struggled with WR depth behind Terry McLaurin for years now. Last year’s solution — Deebo Samuel — remains a free agent as the Commanders search for a more dynamic alternative,” Solak wrote. “A free agent or trade (Brandon Aiyuk?) could still fill the spot, but the Commanders need someone to emerge from this smattering of veterans and recent middle-round picks. Williams, the 2026 third-rounder, is the one to watch with his high ceiling and inside/outside versatility.”

Williams and the Commanders will kick off the 2026 regular season on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 13.