Antonio Williams became the first Clemson football offensive playmaker selected in the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday, landing with Washington in the third round at No. 71 overall.
His final season didn’t fully reflect his ability after an early injury against LSU limited him to nine games, but he still managed 55 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns. The year before told a much clearer story. In 2024, Williams was one of Clemson’s most reliable targets, finishing with 75 catches, 904 yards, and 11 scores while consistently showing he could move the chains and stretch the field.
Williams comes off the board as part of a busy draft stretch for Clemson. He’s the fifth Tiger selected, joining a group that already included Blake Miller and Peter Woods on the first night, followed by T.J. Parker and Avieon Terrell on Day 2.
Even with a shortened senior year, Williams put enough on tape to draw interest early on Friday. Now he gets a fresh start in Washington, where his route running and sure hands could give him a real shot to carve out a role early.
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 25, 2026
Time to Raise Hail, Tone.Welcome to the Washington @Commanders, Antonio Williams!#ALLIN | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/m4yKIvh3Xt
When the #ClemsonFamily shows up for @a_williams2022 >#ALLIN | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/zPI74MyUJk
With the No. 71 overall pick in the 2026 @NFLDraft, the @Commanders select WR Antonio Williams#NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABCStream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/iDdzaYENLv
Antonio Williams has a path to make an immediate impact as the potential Commanders WR2 👀(via @fantasysmyth) pic.twitter.com/elfClMKHbT
— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) April 25, 2026
Jayden Daniels has a new weapon in Antonio Williams 🔥 pic.twitter.com/l7McFBp7Lu
Clemson WR Antonio Williams is headed to the Commanders 😤Jayden Daniels gets another weapon 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IO5dazqsHZ
Antonio Williams is destined for a slot role with the Commanders 🅇🐷 pic.twitter.com/GnK4iUQURI
— Underdog NFL Draft - Josh & Hayden (@UDFootballShow) April 25, 2026
a perfect fit @SeatGeek | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/R0D6bjWmUw
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 25, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Social media reactions to Antonio Williams drafted in 2026 NFL Draft