While top picks grab headlines, savvy wideout and former Clemson WR Antonio Williams is poised to emerge as Jayden Daniels’ favorite new target and a day-one starter for the Washington Commanders.
The Clemson Tigers had an incredible draft class in April, with nine players taken in the first five rounds.
The talent on the field didn't match the 7-6 record at the end of the season.
Defensive lineman Peter Woods (Kansas City Chiefs) and offensive lineman Blake Miller (Detroit Lions) went in the first round. Cornerback Avieon Terrell was expected to be a first-round talent early in the pre-draft process, but fell to the Atlanta Falcons in the second round.
One might think one of those three players might have a major impact as a rookie, but Field Yates of ESPN is predicting big things for wide receiver Antonio Williams.
Williams will enter a Washington Commanders team that needed to give quarterback Jayden Daniels more weapons this offseason. He should be able to carve out a significant role for the Commanders in training camp.
"Draft position and fit are why Williams cracks this list," Yates wrote. "He is an extremely experienced, savvy, pro-ready wideout who can start in the slot from Day 1.
"The Commanders needed receiver help alongside Terry McLaurin, and Williams will compete with players such as Dyami Brown and Luke McCaffrey for snaps. I love Williams' instincts, as he was a persistent chain-mover at Clemson."
When speaking to reporters last week, Williams said he's a versatile athlete who feels like he can play anywhere on the field for the Commanders. His goal this spring is to work on getting separation, believing that's the way he'll earn more targets from Daniels.
“If you can get open, then a lot more balls will come your way,” Williams said, via Hogs Haven.
"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 for the quarterback and just be his best friend.”
The Commanders are an ideal spot for Williams. Washington needed help at receiver, so he should get targets.
Daniels won NFL Rookie of the Year in 2024, so he's a young quarterback that builds strong rapport with the Clemson standout.