When the Washington Commanders selected Antonio Williams with the 71st overall pick in the NFL Draft, they knew they were getting a versatile weapon. But the question on everyone's mind: Where will he line up?
During his standout career at Clemson, Williams made his living in the slot—running 78% of his routes there, according to The Ringer, and a staggering 93% in 2025 alone. But don't let those numbers fool you. His tape is filled with highlight-reel catches on the outside, proving he's far from a one-trick pony.
So, what does Williams prefer? After the Commanders' first rookie minicamp practice, he made it clear: "I prefer everything. I feel like that's when I'm at my best. I'm a versatile player and I can line up everywhere and run every route. I just like being able to go everywhere and I feel like I have a lot of freedom to do that in this offense."
That kind of confidence is music to the ears of head coach Dan Quinn, who sees Williams as a perfect fit for the modern NFL offense. "He's a player that can play multiple spots at receiver," Quinn explained. "He's got experience outside. He's got experience playing inside, in the slot. That type of versatility goes a long way. Watching his film from Clemson at both spots demonstrated his route-running ability. We're really pumped to have him."
Williams isn't just a receiver, either. During Friday's practice, he showed off his skills as a punt returner, and he's also capable of making plays with the ball in his hands on the ground. But make no mistake—his primary value comes as a savvy, do-it-all receiver who can create mismatches all over the field.
For quarterback Jayden Daniels, having a player like Williams who can consistently get open will be a game-changer. The adjustment to NFL coverage will be real, and Williams will need to handle press coverage against veteran defensive backs. But if his college tape is any indication, the Commanders may have found their next offensive X-factor.
