The Washington Commanders have had a productive offseason ever since the start of free agency, filling major needs at cornerback, safety, linebacker, defensive line, running back, and tight end. But one group they had mysteriously neglected was the wide receiver room.
Before Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the only new wideouts Adam Peters had brought in were Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson Jr. There have been rumors involving Brandon Aiyuk, but nothing has come of them yet.
Now, with or without the 2023 second-team All-Pro, Washington has its guy. The Commanders have selected Clemson's Antonio Williams in the third round with the No. 71 overall pick.
Antonio Williams gives Commanders a potential immediate-impact player
Williams is somewhat of a curious selection, as another slot receiver to join fellow youngsters Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane. But unlike the two of them, who are primarily return specialists, he is more of a volume short-yardage pass-catcher whose reliable hands should make him a productive contributor from Day 1.
Williams played four years at Clemson. His best season came in 2024, when he recorded 1,005 yards from scrimmage (904 receiving) and 12 touchdowns. Last year, the wideout missed three games and saw his totals dip, but on a per-game basis, it wasn't by much in terms of yardage.
There were a few other wide receivers available at the time who had been pegged higher on most draft boards than Williams, notably Louisville's Chris Bell and Tennessee's Chris Brazzell II. But evidently, Washington sees something in the South Carolina native, who has been praised for his route-running and ability to rack up yards after the catch.
Now, all eyes turn to whether the Commanders will add Aiyuk. The decision to draft another slot receiver certainly seems to indicate that Washington has bigger plans, because otherwise, it will be Treylon Burks or McCaffrey lining up opposite Terry McLaurin.
Bringing back Deebo Samuel Sr. on a cheap one-year deal could also still be on the table, if the Commanders don't have the patience for Aiyuk's drama. If Williams is in the fold as a true WR2, he suddenly becomes a bargain.
Williams' selection might not inspire the most confidence in some fans, but the logic is there as long as Peters plays the rest of his cards right. If all goes according to plan, Jayden Daniels just got another weapon.
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