Inside-out?: Where Antonio Williams prefers to play in Washington Commanders offense

antonio williams

Antonio Williams is primarily known as a slot receiver. He ran 78% of his routes from there during his standout Clemson career, per The Ringer, and 93% of them from the slot in 2025.

That’s, well, a lot.

He’s capable of winning on the outside, too, which shows up a ton on his tape. Where will the Commanders play their third-round pick? Most predict he’ll play almost exclusively inside.

What is Williams’ preference? The No. 71 overall NFL draft pick was asked that question after the first Commanders rookie minicamp practice.

“I prefer everything,” Williams said in a Friday press conference. “I feel like that’s when I’m at my best. I feel like I’m a versatile player and I can line up everywhere and run every route. So, I just like being able to go everywhere and I feel like I just have a lot of freedom to do that in this offense.”

Williams is a do-it-all guy. He can return punts, as he did during Friday’s practice. He can make things happen rushing the football, too. He’s a savvy receiver first and foremost, with the versatility and talent to help the Commanders right away.

“What a fit,” head coach Dan Quinn said in his Friday presser. “I would say, first off, with Antonio, because this is a player that can play multiple spots at receiver. He’s got experience outside. He’s got experience playing inside, in the slot. That type of versatility, that goes a big way and seeing through the last few years, you know, the film from him at Clemson at both spots demonstrated route running ability. We’re really pumped to have him.”