ESPN's Yates praises Clemson player selected in third round

ESPN draft analyst Field Yates released his five favorite picks of each round in the NFL draft, and one Clemson star was mentioned.

Antonio Williams, drafted 71st overall to the Washington Commanders, is one of the better selections of this draft. With his consistent route running, good hands, and solid athleticism, Williams brings a sense of stability that isn’t currently seen on the Commanders roster. Outside of Terry McLaurin, Washington lacks reliable starting skill players on offense. To have such holes on the offensive side of the ball attached to such an electric quarterback in Jaden Daniels is criminal, and the Commanders needed to address the receiver position this offseason.

For Williams, the landing spot is perfect. It’s rare that a receiver lands with a quarterback as talented as Daniels. It’s rare for a third-round receiver to go to a team where he can start right away, and especially rare for that team to have real aspirations heading into the next season.

Yates raved on the pick, saying, “Tough, reliable, good after the catch, selfless and with strong hands. Those are among the ways to describe Williams, who gives the Commanders a potential WR2 next to Terry McLaurin. The rookie will take on a slot role for the Commanders, whose depth was immensely tested in 2025 amid injuries.” Williams landed in an ideal spot and is perfectly poised for a solid NFL career.

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