Antonio Williams is primarily known as a slot receiver. He ran 78% of his routes from there during his standout Clemson career, per The Ringer, and 93% of them from the slot in 2025.
That’s, well, a lot.
He’s capable of winning on the outside, too, which shows up a ton on his tape. Where will the Commanders play their third-round pick? Most predict he’ll play almost exclusively inside.
What is Williams’ preference? The No. 71 overall NFL draft pick was asked that question after the first Commanders
rookie minicamp practice.
“I prefer everything,” Williams said in a Friday press conference. “I feel like that’s when I’m at my best. 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 just have a lot of freedom to do that in this offense.”
Williams is a do-it-all guy. He can return punts, as he did during Friday’s practice. He can make things happen rushing the football, too. He’s a savvy receiver first and foremost, with the versatility and talent to help the Commanders right away.
“What a fit,” head coach Dan Quinn said in his Friday presser. “I would say, first off, with Antonio, because this is a player that can play multiple spots at receiver. He’s got experience outside. He’s got experience playing inside, in the slot. That type of versatility, that goes a big way and seeing through the last few years, you know, the film from him at Clemson at both spots demonstrated route running ability. We’re really pumped to have him.”
Quarterback Jayden Daniels will be pumped to have him if Williams can consistently get open like he did in college. There will be an adjustment period to NFL coverage, and he’ll have to handle press coverage well against talented veteran defensive backs, but the talent and drive is there to be a good player at this level.
Quick separation will be key in that effort.
“If you can get open, then a lot more balls will come your way,” Williams said. So, playing receiver, I feel like it’s my job to make it easier on the quarterback and create some extra space to give him an easier throw. So, I always want to be that guy and for the quarterback and just be his best friend.”
