Antonio Williams as good as advertised, shocking Commanders coach Dan Quinn

Former Clemson receiver Antonio Williams is already turning heads in Washington before playing a single NFL snap.

The Commanders wrapped up rookie minicamp earlier this month, and Williams quickly became one of the most talked-about newcomers on the field. Head coach Dan Quinn spoke highly of the rookie receiver during a recent radio appearance, pointing to the polish and instincts that immediately stood out during workouts.

“I think one thing that you say, right off the bat, like man, this guy has feel,” Quinn said. “He knows when to stop, he knows how to adjust – he just has awareness already as like a big-time receiver. He’s got great hands, great movements to go. He’s off to a hell of a start. … He has definitely been one [of the rookies] that has absolutely jumped out. He’s got real skill about him. So, yeah, we’re really pumped about Antonio.”

Washington used the No. 71 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to bring Williams in, and the organization already appears excited about how quickly he could fit into the offense.

The former Tiger built a reputation at Clemson as one of the ACC’s most dependable pass catchers, especially in the slot. His quick cuts, reliable hands and ability to create separation helped him become a favorite target throughout his college career, and those same traits are apparently showing up early with the Commanders.

Quinn later explained that Williams’ route-running ability was a major reason the franchise valued him so highly during the draft process.

“I think when everybody sees him as the route-runner, you’re going to see him absolutely be able to break people off his option routes, in-breaking routes, out-breaking routes – all the different elements that go along with that as a route-runner,” Quinn said. “He can stop, he can change directions, explosive. Those are a few of the things that jump out to us.”

“But it’s just the feel. It’s not just a height, weight, speed thing – this guy’s got real natural feel as a receiver. That can be a hard thing to measure, but when you see it, you know exactly what it looks like. And Antonio has it, man, in the biggest way.”

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Williams closed out his Clemson career among the program’s all-time leaders in receptions and touchdown catches. In 2025, he recorded 55 catches for 604 yards and four touchdowns despite missing time, while also contributing as a runner, passer and returner.

Now, the former Clemson standout will look to carry that momentum into training camp as he competes for an early role in Washington’s offense alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels.

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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Commanders coach Dan Quinn raves about Antonio Williams, steal of NFL Draft