The Washington Commanders pulled off a significant coup by taking prolific Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. That is going to help enormously, but general manager Adam Peters faced a long wait before his next selection.
After the Commanders traded for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil last year, Peters didn't have a second-round selection. He doesn't have a fourth-rounder, either. That was worth it and more, but it left Washington examining the landscape closely before going on the clock again at No. 71.
As it turned out, the Commanders still managed to get an intriguing prospect. Patience paid off again, allowing Peters to turn in his card for Antonio Williams.
Commanders get another slot wizard in Clemson's Antonio Williams
The Commanders had shown an interest in Williams during their pre-draft assessments. The uber-athletic wide receiver is coming off a slightly down year with Clemson, but he was touted as a first-round pick before the campaign. This also fills a major need for Washington. That's only going to help their cause, especially given the need to assist Terry McLaurin and Jayden Daniels in whatever way possible to take the next step.
Peters has a certain type of prospect. Versatile, athletic, and a willingness to step up in the big moments. Everything else can be polished, but these traits simply cannot be taught.
Williams ticks those boxes. His mindset fits well into the culture being built. Peters speaks after almost every pick about how they embody everything a Commander stands for. Styles was the latest, and now, the Tigers' product will look to assist David Blough en route to carving out an important role for himself.
And the sooner that happens, the better. If Williams can, it'll set him up nicely to be a replacement for Deebo Samuel.
Commanders fans couldn't have asked much more from their first two selections. Peters didn't have much to work with, but he is well on his way to maximizing his resources. If the same trend continues with Washington's four selections on Day 3, head coach Dan Quinn's squad will be in pretty good shape.
Expecting miracles from Williams right away would be unfair. At the same time, this looks like a pretty good environment for quick growth, and the Commanders clearly see something in the wideout that others didn't.
Hopefully, it'll all work out, and Williams can go on to have the career Peters envisions for him in Washington. That would make him a steal at this stage of the process.
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