Antonio Williams carries high expectations despite being a third-round NFL draft pick. The former Clemson receiver is expected to make a profound and instant impact on the Commanders in 2026 despite his draft slot, likely because of his college production and his position group’s perceived weakness.
There’s also a bunch of hype around him, with draftniks and analysts alike considering him a steal at No. 71 overall and a pro-ready talent.
No pressure, rook.
Williams doesn’t seem to feel it, with his
head on straight and his priorities in the right place.
“Learning the offense is first,” Williams said after Wednesday’s minicamp practice. “Coming to a new place, that’s what you lock in on. And then you have to let your game do the rest.”
Williams’ game is pretty solid, whether playing outside or in the slot. The Commanders have a need outside and opposite Terry McLaurin. Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown are vying for that slot, as well as versatile and intriguing talent Luke McCaffrey.
There’s also some will-they-or-won’t-they thing going on 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is expected to be released by San Francisco and is making it known on social media that he’d sure as heck love to play for Washington.
Williams isn’t concerned about any of that. He’s locked in on making progress and learning from McLaurin, one of the NFL’s best receivers.
“I just try to take one thing in every day,” Williams said. “I like to watch everybody going through individual drills or even if we’re in team (situations), to see how he manipulated the defender. He has been an open book and really trying to help me. I appreciate him for that.”
Williams is also working to gain Jayden Daniels’ trust. The young and super talented quarterback holds the key to Williams targets, and needs to believe the receiver can handle a proper workload. A working relationship is being built day-by-day – there will be an offseason throwing session this summer – but is off to a strong start.
“He has been a great leader and a great voice to listen to and take advice from what he sees on the field,” Williams said. “I’m just trying to get on the same page. We’re trying to build that chemistry , where it’s during practice or after practice with routes on air.”
