Dan Quinn Credits Antonio Williams’ Feel in Minicamp

Antonio Williams’ – After the Washington Commanders’ rookie minicamp on May 8-9, head coach Dan Quinn singled out former Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams as a standout—praising his “feel,” route-running, and hands. Washington drafted Williams in the third round of the 2026

The Washington Commanders’ rookie minicamp ran May 8-9, and Antonio Williams didn’t just blend in—he drew immediate attention from the person who has to spot talent every day.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn leaned into that point when asked how Williams looked during the sessions on The Sports Junkies Podcast.

“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 didn’t draft Williams as a project. The Commanders selected him in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 71 overall pick, positioning him to compete for immediate playing time in the receiving corps. The expectation is that Williams can become a threat in the slot—someone Washington can trust for quick-impact routes—while also working toward a clear role as a reliable target for quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Quinn’s praise turned sharper when the conversation moved to what stood out during scouting, with route-running at the center of it.

“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.”

That “feel” is the kind of trait coaches often talk about in broad terms—but Williams’ college production offered more than promise. He left Clemson ranking fourth in school history in career catches, finishing with 2,336 receiving yards and 21 receiving touchdowns across 43 games. He was also a two-time All-ACC selection and tied Mike Williams for the fourth-most career touchdown receptions in Clemson history.

Last year, the numbers kept coming. In 2025, Williams caught 55 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns over 10 games. He also rushed 13 times for 78 yards and a touchdown. completed a 75-yard touchdown pass. and gained 44 yards on four punt returns. His performance earned him third-team All-ACC honors.

Now the focus shifts from Clemson’s routine to Washington’s pressure. The Commanders open the 2026 regular season against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 13 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

For Williams, that first matchup isn’t just another schedule date—it’s the moment the minicamp praise has to translate into game impact. Quinn has already said he’s “pumped” about what he’s seen. The next step is proving it when the hits start to land for real.

Washington Commanders Dan Quinn Antonio Williams Clemson rookie minicamp Jayden Daniels 2026 NFL Draft No. 71 overall Philadelphia Eagles Lincoln Financial Field