Commanders rookie Antonio Williams is becoming much harder to keep hidden

All the hype has centered on the veteran wide receiver duo of Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs, for good reason. The Washington Commanders are expecting big things from this tandem, but they won't be able to do it alone.

Fortunately, the Commanders also have third-round rookie Antonio Williams, who provided a glimpse of what he might be capable of during Washington's preseason loss to the Detroit Lions.

Williams was a highly touted prospect before his final college campaign at Clemson didn't go as planned, ending his hopes of becoming a first-round selection. The Commanders saw plenty of promise in the wideout, taking him at No. 71 overall. And based on his growing influence over the summer, this has the makings of a potential steal.

Antonio Williams' preseason effort in Detroit showed what he can offer the Commanders

The Commanders are trying to keep Williams hidden, to a certain extent. He may not play all that much in their preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens, but the first-year pro left a positive mark at Ford Field.

There was a crispness to Williams' route-running that was hard not to love. He looks a lot more comfortable after his initial bedding-in period, and even though it was only against second- or third-string players in Detroit, it was an encouraging display.

Williams brought in all three of his targets for 41 receiving yards. This included a stunning grab in the air for a 21-yard gain, showcasing his strength and concentration to full effect. There is competition for places behind McLaurin and Diggs on the wide receiver depth chart, but the rookie is doing more than enough to gain his fair share of targets within new offensive coordinator David Blough's scheme.

Nobody is expecting the second coming of Randy Moss or Art Monk with Williams. But he's got the skill set that could make an immediate difference in a system that should play to his strengths.

Having McLaurin and Diggs around to take attention and learn from is a major asset for the rookie. Williams will soak up as much information as he can, learning nuances from two of the very best. And with the Pro Bowl duo demanding special attention from opposing coverages on almost every snap, he should get countless one-on-one opportunities to flourish.

And given Williams' ability to create separation at all three levels of the field, the intrigue is obvious.

There will be difficult times for Williams as a rookie. There always is, but it would be a big surprise if he wasn't productive. And he's got the right support system in place to make his third-round draft status look incredibly foolish when it's all said and done.

This eye-catching showcase versus the Lions gave fans a taste of what Williams is capable of. It was also another test he passed with flying colors.

And the best is yet to come.

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