Former Clemson Tigers Star Receiving Surprising NFL Opportunity

When the Clemson Tigers entered the 2025 campaign, wide receiver Antonio Williams was hailed as a potential first-round pick.

Based on the season he had prior, you could see why, as Williams hauled in 75 receptions for 904 yards and 11 touchdowns. He punched in a rushing score, as well.

But like many other Clemson players last year, Williams very much laid an egg during his final season with the team, catching 55 passes for 604 yards and four scores.

Williams fell out of the first round as a result of his performance, with the Washington Commanders eventually selecting him in Round 3 of the NFL Draft.

But it's hard to have imagined a better landing spot for the 22-year-old.

Yes, the Commanders did recently sign Stefon Diggs, which muddied Williams' role just a bit, but he should still receive considerable playing time during his rookie campaign.

In fact, ESPN's John Keim said as much in a recent piece.

"Williams will play early for Washington, though the addition of Stefon Diggs allows him to ease into his role," Keim wrote. "The Commanders like what they've seen from Williams, particularly in the slot. And one coach said he had some 'great plays' in the second preseason game at Detroit."

There is no doubting Williams' explosiveness, and earlier this offseason, there were some who even wondered if the Clemson product could be an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate.

That's probably a bit too ambitious, especially because we don't know exactly what to expect from Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, but the fact that Williams is primed to get such a significant opportunity as a Day 2 pick is very noteworthy.

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Williams is definitely quick and shifty, and his route-running ability jumps off the screen right away.

Of course, whether or not all of that actually translates into NFL production remains to be seen, but the tools are there for him to be an effective slot receiver.

Williams will be competing with Diggs and Terry McLaurin for targets, and you have to wonder how fellow receivers Luke McCaffrey and Dyami Brown will figure into the action, as well. But Williams will probably serve as the primary slot and Washington's No. 3 receiver.

We'll see just how much usage the former Tigers standout gets this fall.