Antonio Williams entered the NFL with plenty of buzz, and one ESPN analyst just took that optimism and kicked it into another gear.
The Washington Commanders grabbed Williams at No. 71 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, a long way from where he had once been projected before his final season at Clemson. A rough team slide and injury issues pushed him down the board, but it also gave general manager Adam Peters a chance to land him far later than expected.
That landing spot could matter a lot. Washington’s receiver depth behind Terry McLaurin is thin enough that Williams has a real path to immediate work. If the Commanders don’t add another major piece, he could be functioning as the second or third option as soon as he steps on the field in the regular season.
Ben Solak of ESPN didn’t just like the fit - he went all the way out on the limb. He predicted Williams will win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2026.
"If the Commanders suddenly need to funnel six-plus targets per game his way, he has the deep tool kit and reliable play style to sustain that volume. There are few middle-round rookies for whom I have rosier Year 1 projections than Williams."
That’s a serious statement for a rookie who wasn’t expected to be sitting there in the third round. Solak’s view speaks to the kind of player Williams can be: a smooth route runner with the ability to do damage after the catch.
There’s still some uncertainty around the Commanders’ receiver room, especially with Brandon Aiyuk or Stefon Diggs mentioned as possible additions at some point. But even if Washington brings in another veteran, Williams’ role may not shrink much.
He brings inside-out versatility, but his best work comes from the slot, where he can separate cleanly and give Jayden Daniels a dependable target in the short and intermediate game. He can also make plays downfield when the opportunity is there.
For Williams, the wait on draft night ended in the right place. He landed with a team that can use him right away and a quarterback who gives him a real chance to matter. Whether that turns into an award chase or just a strong rookie season, the opportunity in front of him is unmistakable.
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