Washington drafts WR Antonio Williams in Round 3

April 25, 2026

by Steve Thomas

The Washington Redskins Washington Football Team Washington Commanders Washington selected Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams with the seventh pick in round 3 of the 2026 NFL draft, 71st overall.

Williams spend four years at Clemson from 2022 through 2025.  In that time, he played in a total of 43 games, and made 208 receptions for 2336 yards, 11.2 yards per reception, and 21 touchdowns.  In 2025, he played in 10 games and made 55 receptions for 604 yards, 11.0 yards per reception, and 4 touchdowns, and earned Third-team All-ACC honors.  His 2024 season was actually significantly better: in that season, he played in 14 games and had 75 receptions for 904 yards, 12.1 yards per reception, and 11 touchdowns, and earned First-team All-ACC honors.  A significant part of his downturn in 2025 was due to a hamstring injury.

At the NFL Combine, he was measured at 5’11” 1/2 and 187 pounds.  He ran the 40 yard dash in 4.41 seconds, jumped 39.5 inches in the vertical leap and 10’4” in the standing broad jump, and did 10 bench press reps at 225 pounds.

Williams isn’t known as an elite vertical threat at the NFL level, considering his speed is good, but not great.  He most likely projects as a slot receiver, but he does have experience lining up on the outside as well.  Analysts note that Williams is skilled at working the middle of the field and finding weak spots in zone coverage.  Scouts believe that he is a good route runner, does well in jump ball situations, and has good body control and strength.  On the downside, Williams has had a few drops and lacks elite speed and burst.  Williams will most likely compete with Luke McCaffrey and Jalin Lane, and maybe Dyami Brown as well, for the primary slot receiver role.

Washington needed more talent at the receiver position, and Williams fills that role.