Analyst Sees Clemson WR as Instant-Impact Rookie
By: Gavin Oliver June 21, 2026

After being selected in the third round of April’s NFL Draft with the No. 71 overall pick, former Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams is expected to compete for playing time right away for the Washington Commanders in the slot.

CBS Sports analyst Josh Edwards recently listed Williams among some NFC rookies picked after the first round of this year’s draft “who could earn key roles” and “have the talent and depth-chart opportunity” to make an immediate impact during the 2026 campaign.

Edwards is bullish on Williams’ chance to be an instant-impact rookie.

“Eight wide receivers were drafted before Williams, but few have a more immediate path to competition,” Edwards wrote. “Williams played 92.4% of his 2025 snaps out of the slot, according to TruMedia. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end Zach Ertz played a nearly 650 combined snaps in the slot last season, first and second most on the team. Neither of those players is currently on the roster. Williams’ biggest returning competition would be last year’s fourth-round pick Jaylin Lane and 2024 third-round pick Luke McCaffrey.”

Williams was a two-time All-ACC selection who recorded 2,336 yards and 21 touchdowns on 208 career receptions over 43 games (38 starts) 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 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 had been explosive and productive in his time with the Tigers,” Edwards added. “There is nuance to his game in how he can flatten routes across the field and snap off comeback routes. The South Carolina product is immediately one of the three best receivers on that roster.”

Williams has his sights set on becoming a reliable, go-to target for Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Daniels himself is excited to work with Williams and have him as a new weapon.

“He’s a smooth kid and very crafty within his routes,” Daniels said, via SB Nation. “I’m excited to continue to build that rapport with him.”

Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams scores against Louisville during the first quarter on November 2, 2024 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. (Bart Boatwright/The Clemson Insider)