New Washington wide receiver Antonio Williams was one of several wideouts the Commanders hosted on top-30 visits in recent weeks. On Friday, Washington used the No. 71 overall pick on Williams, joining Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles in the 2026 class.
Williams, who caught 208 passes for 2,336 yards and 21 touchdowns during his career at Clemson, joins a wide receivers room in desperate need of help opposite Terry McLaurin. Williams has experience playing outside or in the slot, and can help Washington at either spot in 2026.
Shortly after being drafted by the Commanders, Williams spoke with the local Washington media via Zoom and explained what Washington is getting in the rookie wideout.
"I would say I'm just a smooth operator out there on the field, whether that's running a route, making somebody miss, making a acrobatic catch," he said. "I just play real smooth out there and just have a lot of confidence in myself and what I can do."
His film backs up what he says. There's a level of suddenness to Williams' game. While he may not be the top overall athlete in the class, Williams is an excellent athlete, but that's not what sets him apart. He runs outstanding routes, he's phenomenal after the catch and he knows how to beat man coverage, which is huge in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Antonio Williams is a 'smooth operator'
