Antonio Williams became the first Clemsonfootball offensive playmaker selected in the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday, landing with Washington in the third round at No. 71 overall.His final season didn’t fully reflect his ability after an early injury against LSU limited him to nine games, but he still managed 55 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns. The year before told a much clearer story. In 2024, Williams was one of Clemson’s most reliable targets, finishing with 75 catches, 904 yards, and 11 scores while consistently showing he could move the chains and stretch the field.Williams comes off the board as part of a busy draft stretch for Clemson.
He’s the fifth Tiger selected, joining a group that already included Blake Miller and Peter Woods on the first night, followed by T.J. Parker and Avieon Terrell on Day 2.Even with a shortened senior year, Williams put enough on tape to draw interest early on Friday. Now he gets a fresh start in Washington, where his route running and sure hands could give him a real shot to carve out a role early.Got a dynamic weapon pic.twitter.com/HfFqijjxgm— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 25, 2026Time to Raise Hail, Tone.Welcome to the Washington @Commanders, Antonio Williams!#ALLIN | #NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/m4yKIvh3Xt— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) April 25, 2026When the #ClemsonFamily shows up for @a_williams2022 >#ALLIN | #NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/zPI74MyUJk— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) April 25, 2026With the No. 71 overall pick in the 2026 @NFLDraft, the @Commanders select WR Antonio Williams#NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABCStream on #NFLPluspic.twitter.com/iDdzaYENLv— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) April 25, 2026Antonio Williams has a path to make an immediate impact as the potential Commanders WR2 👀(via @fantasysmyth) pic.twitter.com/elfClMKHbT— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) April 25, 2026Jayden Daniels has a new weapon in Antonio Williams 🔥 pic.twitter.com/l7McFBp7Lu— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) April 25, 2026Clemson WR Antonio Williams is headed to the Commanders 😤Jayden Daniels gets another weapon 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IO5dazqsHZ— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 25, 2026Antonio Williams is destined for a slot role with the Commanders 🅇🐷 pic.twitter.com/GnK4iUQURI— Underdog NFL Draft - Josh & Hayden (@UDFootballShow) April 25, 2026a perfect fit @SeatGeek | #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/R0D6bjWmUw— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 25, 2026Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Social media reactions to Antonio Williams drafted in 2026 NFL Draft