Washington picks Clemson's Antonio Williams in round three
Clemson now has a fifth player taken in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Friday night former Tiger wide receiver Antonio Williams came off the board in round three by way of the Washington Commanders as the 71st pick of the draft. Williams had been widely expected to go in round two or three.
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A two-time All-ACC selection, Williams closed his Clemson career with 208 receptions for 2,336 yards and 21 touchdowns. The Irmo native finished his career as the program’s fourth-leading receptions-getter all-time, trailing only Artavis Scott, Sammy Watkins and Aaron Kelly.
Said Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney following Williams’ selection: “Antonio is a day one performer when he walks in their building. Antonio has really lived like a pro, prepared like a pro, played like a pro for his last couple years. He is a highly skilled receiver. If he was 6-2, he’d be a first-round pick. He’s different, but he is in the same class and category of all the greats that we’ve had come through here at that position. I think he can play all three positions.
“He plays long. He’s a finisher on the ball. He’s an elite returner. He’s got special teams ability. He’s a really, really smart, instinctual, savvy player. He understands space, he understands defense. He’s a student of the game. He’s technically refined. And I’m just really proud of him. I think that he can run the entire route tree. He’s precise in what he does. He’s tough, he’s physical, and just a very, very smart football player. He’s a high-value pick here. And I think he’s a guy that right out of the gate makes a difference with his work ethic, with his toughness and with his ability to get open and finish on the ball.”
Williams, who played in 43 career games (38 starts), was highly-regarded out of high school, ranked by Rivals as a four-star prospect. The network billed Williams 75th nationally overall regardless of position and 13th among wide receiver prospects. He was ranked third overall regardless of position in the Palmetto State.
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“They’re going to be able to sleep well at night knowing Antonio is a difference maker in the community and he’s an absolute baller that plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played,” said Clemson wide receivers coach Tyler Grisham. “They are getting a guy that loves football and loves to compete. He is going to make plays all over the field from multiple positions.”
Williams becomes the 91st player drafted in the Swinney era.
Earlier Friday evening former Tiger defensive end T.J. Parker came off the board in round two by way of the Buffalo Bills as the 35th pick of the draft. Following Parker, former Tiger cornerback Avieon Terrell was selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the 48th pick overall (round two).
Former Tigers (OL) Blake Miller and (DT) Peter Woods were taken previously in round one on Thursday with Miller going 17th overall to the Detroit Lions and Woods coming off the board at 29th overall by way of the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Clemson has now had at least one player drafted for 24 consecutive years, including at least one first-round selection in 11 of the last 14 years.
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