The Washington Commanders took a brutal blow last week when top wide receiver Terry McLaurin suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon. But that is life in sports, and you have to move on and keep battling with the next man up.
For the Commanders, that next man up is third-round rookie Antonio Williams.
The Clemson product has emerged into an immediate role for Washington as a featured slot receiver, recording 205 receiving yards and a touchdown in six games.
Commanders will get a better sense of what they have in Antonio Williams
Now, he'll take on an even bigger one.
As it stands, Williams is the future of the Commanders' wide receiver room. His ability to contribute from the get-go proves he has what it takes to be a long-term core piece for Washington.
It's s all just a question of how high his ceiling is.
And we're about to find out.
Williams has produced despite limited snaps in David Blough's offense, which will now undoubtedly rise. And aside from Stefon Diggs, he'll be leaned on more than any other receiver for the rest of 2026.
The No. 71 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft has already proven to be a solid complementary piece for the Commanders. This is Williams' chance to show he can be something even more than that.
Antonio Williams can make the Commanders rethink their future
Wide receiver will be among the Commanders' top needs in the 2027 NFL Draft. Diggs likely won't be back next year, and McLaurin might not either. Aside from Williams, there aren't any other notable building blocks in the room unless anyone is still holding on to Jaylin Lane stock.
Washington has to be considering drafting a wideout in the first round.
They won't get Jeremiah Smith, but they'll have other options. However, if Williams breaks out into a player the Commanders believe can be a true No. 1, it might become less of a priority.
Williams' best-case scenario might be the very player he's sharing quarterback Jayden Daniels' targets with: Diggs. He can be a volume machine in his prime, even if he's not the speediest player or most explosive deep threat. His impressive hands, route-running, and tackle-breaking will take him a long way.
All Williams needs is a chance to show what he's made of.
He's earned a promotion up the Commanders' depth chart, and now there's no choice but to feature him.
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