Commanders Snag Williams: A Steal or Surprise?

0:00On May 1st, the Washington Commanders snagged wide receiver Antonio Williams at pick 71 overall in the 2026 NFL draft and they're calling it a steal. This Clemson standout was projected as a first-rounder before injury slowed him down last year, turning him into a third-round surprise that general. Manager Adam Peters jumped on without a second thought. Earlier this week, media buzz lit up with praise for the pick. Clemson's head coach, Dabble Swinney, says Williams has all the tools to hit the ground running right away, and the kid himself is Birmingham with confidence that the commanders share. Fans and analysts are hyped to ESPN's Matt Miller when as far as predicting Williams could become their top wide-out down the line with some coaching. Polish. At 31, Terry McClure needs reliable death behind him, and with no second-round pick, grabbing a receiver here made perfect sense. Williams shines as a smooth, route runner who can play outside or in the slot, and now he's laser-focused on building chemistry with quarterback Jaden.

1:03Daniels, under new offensive coordinator, David Blue. The receiver room still needs more firepower, but he's the prime breakout candidate. If he delivers early, those draft outers will eat their words. This feels like the ideal spot for Williams to repay the faith and light up. Washington's offense.