One draft analyst says Commanders' pick was a first-round talent

TL;DR

Draft analyst Ryan Wilson praised Antonio Williams as a first-round talent despite being selected by the Washington Commanders in the third round. Wilson highlighted Williams' route-running ability and potential to excel in the NFL.

Key points

Ryan Wilson praised Antonio Williams as a first-round talent
Williams was selected by the Washington Commanders at 71 in the third round
Injuries affected Williams' performance at Clemson

Antonio WilliamsWashington CommandersClemson

"Antonio Williams is as juiced up as they come."

That was Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports on the Grant & Danny Show, Tuesday on 106.7 The Fan. Immediately, one might wonder whether Wilson was saying that Williams is using steroids. But he was actually lauding Williams' ability and route running. What brought about such high praise for a Clemson receiver not taken until the Washington Commanders selected Williams at 71 in the third round, Day 2 (Friday night)?

"I was looking back at my way too early mock draft notes from 12 months ago," Wilson said. "I had him in the first round (of the 2026 Draft). He was hurt at Clemson in Week 1 and wasn't quite himself for much of the season; neither was Clemson, for that matter. But he is electric and maybe the flavor of ice cream that the Commanders were looking for in the slot."

So Wilson, in the preseason, thought Williams would be drafted in the first round? A major question already being asked is whether Williams can play on the outside, as Commanders GM Adam Peters commented after selecting Williams. Wilson responded, "Can he play outside? Yes. The issue is when you are going up against ACC corners vs NFL corners. That's where you have to figure out if it is going to work."

Perhaps Wilson was not aware of the comments Peters made last weekend, because he said the following. "I would imagine he was drafted with the idea of primarily slot and some outside abilities. But he's physical. I know he is undersized and that he is not north of six feet. But he plays physically, he's fast. He can win off the line of scrimmage versus press coverage. So, all the things you want your outside receiver to do."

What does Wilson foresee for Williams in his first Washington season in the NFL? "I would imagine slot first, with some outside occasionally. But I wouldn't imagine he is going to be the guy you're going to line up outside, on day one." Williams did have a big junior season at Clemson, catching 75 passes for 11 receiving touchdowns. Being limited to ten games his senior season, Williams caught 55 passes, including four touchdown receptions.

Q&A

Why was Antonio Williams considered a first-round talent?

Antonio Williams was considered a first-round talent due to his exceptional route-running ability and performance potential, despite an injury affecting his season at Clemson.

What did Commanders GM Adam Peters say about Antonio Williams?

Commanders GM Adam Peters commented on the selection of Antonio Williams, indicating interest in his ability to play on the outside, which remains a question given the transition from college to NFL competition.

How did Antonio Williams perform at Clemson before the draft?

Antonio Williams struggled with injuries during his time at Clemson, which impacted his performance and draft stock, leading to his selection in the third round.