The Washington Commanders still face some uncertainty at the wide receiver position, with rumors that Brandon Aiyuk, Stefon Diggs, or perhaps even both could be on the way this summer.
In the meantime, the organization selected Antonio Williams at No. 71 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, hoping he can provide answers opposite Terry McLaurin.
Williams was primarily a slot receiver in college at Clemson, but he immediately became the No. 2 option on Washington's depth chart, which also includes a who's who of Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, Dyami Brown, and Van Jefferson Jr. The rookie will have a prime opportunity to make an impact from Day 1.
Generally, the consensus is that Williams is a safe floor, low ceiling addition to the Commanders' receiver room. But there's one comparison that could indicate his potential is higher than expected.
Antonio Williams could become the next Amon-Ra St. Brown in Commanders' offense
New Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough was a backup quarterback for the Detroit Lions when the team selected Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The USC product broke out late in his rookie season and never looked back, now boasting four Pro Bowl appearances and two first-team All-Pro honors in five seasons.
St. Brown is undersized for his position, but his route running is as strong as any pass-catcher in the league. That's where Williams compares well to the Lions star, and from his own words, it sounds like Blough plans to use him in a similar manner.
"I feel like I'm a versatile player and I can line up everywhere and run every route. So, I just like being able to go everywhere and I feel like I have a lot of freedom to do that in this offense."
For Commanders fans, the comparison would bring life full circle if Williams measures up to the hype. St. Brown famously took a shot at the Commanders and Dyami Brown when the teams met in 2022, collecting his receipt for Washington's decision to pass on him.
Of course, the Commanders already got their just desserts when Brown caught six passes for 98 receiving yards in Washington's win against the Lions in the Divisional playoffs during their run to the NFC Championship game. But overall, Washington made the wrong choice.
The former North Carolina star is now back for another go-around in D.C., but it's unlikely he'll put up that production again, nor is it a guarantee he even makes the final Week 1 roster. St. Brown, on the other hand, is one of the premier receivers league-wide.
After missing out on St. Brown five years ago, the Commanders might have themselves a carbon copy. And Williams seems confident he can make his presence felt.
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