The Washington Commanders enter the 2026 season with a roster that figures to be much-improved from last year's disastrous 5-12 club, but there is still no shortage of question marks. One of the biggest is at wide receiver.
Rumors continue to swirl that Brandon Aiyuk or Stefon Diggs, if not both, could be on the way. In the meantime, general manager Adam Peters drafted Antonio Williams with the No. 71 overall pick in the third round, and Washington is going to need him to deliver on his potential.
Williams largely played in the slot during his time at Clemson. In the right situation in the NFL, he can be a pass-catching machine in the short yardage game. And he'll get to learn from someone who once played that role to near perfection.
Wes Welker could make all the difference for Commanders' rookie Antonio Williams
Head coach Dan Quinn's staff looks a lot different from how it did in 2025. In addition to the laundry list of entirely new faces, several positional coaches were promoted into bigger roles with the franchise. One of those is Wes Welker, who goes from a personnel analyst to an offensive assistant.
He was a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, leading the league in receptions on three different occasions during his 12-year career. Now, Tom Brady's onetime favorite target seems to have found himself a protege.
Wes Welker sharing some wisdom with rookie WR Antonio Williams. Have a feeling Welker is going to be a huge resource for Commanders receivers this year pic.twitter.com/X95BZ2QmEy
— John Doran (@JohnDoranTV) June 2, 2026
Welker is the exact prototype Washington needs to mold Williams into, and he'll get to develop under the man himself. Throughout his career, the undrafted free agent was known for his steady route-running and trustworthy hands (okay, except for that time in Super Bowl XLVI). A weapon like that for the Commanders would change their entire offense.
Jayden Daniels lost his go-to short-yardage target in Zach Ertz, and Terry McLaurin will draw the toughest assignments. Hopes are high for Chig Okonkwo, and Rachaad White could be an intriguing pass-catcher out of the backfield. As a long-term building block, though, the Commanders are placing a lot of faith in Williams, as well as fellow young receivers Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane.
Welker's impact on the three of them, particularly Williams, should be one of the top stories to monitor this offseason. The Commanders have struggled to find production from most of the wideouts they've drafted ever since McLaurin in 2019. We'll see if that changes with the former New England Patriots and Denver Broncos standout working his tricks.
Add us as a preferred source on Google