Commanders' rookie could make one haunting draft regret finally disappear

The Washington Commanders have uncertainty at wide receiver, with rumors linking Brandon Aiyuk and Stefon Diggs, or both, to the team. The organization drafted Antonio Williams at No. 71 in the 2026 NFL Draft to provide answers opposite Terry McLaurin. Williams played primarily as a slot receiver at Clemson, but he became the No. 2 option on Washington’s depth chart behind a group that includes Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, Dyami Brown, and Van Jefferson Jr. The expectation is that Williams offers a safe floor with a low ceiling, but a comparison to Amon-Ra St. Brown suggests more upside. Offensive coordinator David Blough previously backed Amon-Ra St. Brown’s development with the Detroit Lions, and Williams’ route-running versatility could fit a similar role.

"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"

""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."

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