Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, it was no secret that the Washington Commanders were targeting a wide receiver. Whether with the No. 7 overall pick or their third-round pick, the Commanders were in the market for another playmaker for quarterback Jayden Daniels. Washington selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with its No. 7 overall pick.
Without a second-round pick, the Commanders weren't on the clock again until No. 71 overall, where they selected Clemson receiver Antonio Williams. The 5-foot-11, 187-pound Williams is a former freshman All-American at Clemson and an All-ACC pick, starting three of his four seasons. The one season he didn't was when he was injured.
Williams is projected to play inside at the next level, but also has plenty of experience playing outside. You can't make everyone happy, but almost everyone praised Washington's pick. Let's look at some of the best reactions.
Robert Griffin IIIThe @Commanders just got the SMOOTHEST slot technician in the entire 2026 WR class. Might as well call him Picasso because his route running paints a filthy picture. He breaks ankles at the top of routes and is fearless over the middle.
He will be a chain mover in Washington.… pic.twitter.com/Y9uVzbR8F2— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 25, 2026Todd McShay📝 pic.twitter.com/aXMgZtosER— paul williams (@paulwillFGP) April 25, 2026Matt Harmon of the 'Reception Perception'Antonio Williams breakdown is up on my YouTube channel 🔥linkBig fan of the player - as I always am with these good route runners who beat man coverage from the slot - and he's a top 10 WR in the class, to me. Dove into his #ReceptionPerception charting to spotlight some of the… pic.twitter.com/R5ly4ehoMD— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) April 21, 2026Brian Baldinger.@ClemsonFB WR, Antonio Williams, is a name to remember this week during the #nfldraft When you know; you know. a gifted router. #BaldysBreakdownspic.twitter.com/cumVGRD1Fn— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 20, 2026Grant PaulsenOne thing I have to dig on is why Antonio Williams’ 2025 numbers weren’t more prolific.🏈 55 catches but lacked explosives 🏈 70 rec yds just twice in 10 games🏈 Only 4 TD and 2 were vs FCS🏈 Only 8 catches of 20+ yards 🏈 Drop rate did fall from 9.6% to 1.8% pic.twitter.com/FobVTkxR5D— Grant Paulsen (@GrantPaulsen) April 25, 2026Josh NorrisThis is why the Commanders drafted WR Antonio WilliamsThat No. 2 spot is WIDE open... and Williams has played a ton of snaps.
Four year starterLikely best in the slot - think Tyler Boyd thanks to zone feel - but maybe there's morehttps://t.co/NDvlDgA39Qpic.twitter.com/EyBchjVeQD— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) April 25, 2026Ryan FowlerSeparation. Separation. Separation.
It’s allll over Antonio Williams’ tape. Inside-out versatile and a glider in the open field. Hands improved in ‘25 and is a dynamic threat after the catch.
He’s going to be a target hog in David Blough’s offense. Excellent compliment to…— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 25, 2026More reactionsSaban thinks Williams can play the Z and slot.— Marshall (@MarshW_7) April 25, 2026Adam Peters always picks a head scratcher 🙄— Disco (@discoque92) April 25, 2026Why did I expect AP to draft a good WR lol— Saint (@SaintWah) April 25, 2026This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: NFL world reacts to Antonio Williams' pick