Commanders GM says third-round WR Antonio Williams has 'elite' skills

TL;DR

Washington Commanders GM Adam Peters praised third-round pick Antonio Williams for having 'elite' skills. Peters expressed surprise that Williams was still available at their second selection in the NFL Draft.

Key points

Adam Peters is the GM of the Washington Commanders.
Antonio Williams was drafted in the third round.
Peters called Williams' skills 'elite'.
The Commanders were surprised Williams was still available at pick 71.

Mentioned in this story

Washington Commanders

Clemson TigersAntonio Williams

Adam Peters is looking forward to joining society again.

Peters, the Washington Commanders GM, at the conclusion of his discussion on NFL Network with Tom Pelissero and Judy Batista, provided a brief glimpse into how little he has interacted with society in the last weeks leading up to the draft. They all chuckle, but Peters does so casually and truthfully, expressing that he is tired and wants to get back in touch with his surroundings.

It's not something we consider much, but an NFL general manager's job pays quite well, but of course, you are also expected to be extremely prepared in free agency and the annual NFL Draft. That preparation comes only with forsaking life's comforts of leisure and sleep, in exchange for relentless film work and interaction with scouts discussing rookie draft prospects.

One such prospect was Clemson receiver Antonio Williams. Peters said they were surprised when it came time for their second selection at No. 71 to find Williams still available.

"He played really through an injury all of his 2025 season, but if you go back to his 2024 season he was extremely productive. Really he’s a guy who we look at as a Z and an F so he can play outside and inside. His speed, his play speed, his route running I think is elite for a college player."

"So he’s a guy that can come in and play right away. He runs NFL routes, he can beat man coverage, and he can win on the outside. He’s almost six feet, and he’s really fast, so he can play on the outside, he can win with his route running, he’s got really good hands, he can run after the catch, as you can see there, and he’s a really willing blocker too. So we were thrilled to get him."

"We had him in on a 30 visit, we really enjoyed that, and got to know him a little bit better. And he’s got a chip on his shoulder too because he didn’t expect to be there at 71. So he’s coming in with a chip on his shoulder which we like, and we’re really happy to have him.“

As you can see, Peters was not short on words describing Williams. The Commanders need a productive receiver, as and have both been successful as punt and kickoff returners, but not yet shown much in receiving. Also, there is speculation that 2026 could be 's last season in Washington, as his 2027 contract includes a pay hike.

Q&A

What did Commanders GM Adam Peters say about Antonio Williams?

Adam Peters described Antonio Williams as having 'elite' skills, highlighting his potential as a valuable addition to the team.

Why was Antonio Williams still available for the Commanders at pick 71?

Peters noted their surprise at finding Williams still on the board when it was their turn to select at No. 71 in the NFL Draft.

What position does Antonio Williams play for the Commanders?

Antonio Williams is a wide receiver, drafted by the Washington Commanders in the third round of the NFL Draft.