Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said Antonio Williams has “big-time” receiver feel after the former Clemson wideout stood out at rookie minicamp on May 8-9.
On May 8-9, at Washington’s rookie minicamp, Antonio Williams didn’t just make a quick first impression—he caught the eye of head coach Dan Quinn so strongly that Quinn broke down what he saw as “big-time” receiver awareness.
The former Clemson wideout, selected by the Commanders in the third round with the No. 71 pick, showed up and immediately played like someone ready for the spotlight, Quinn said. When asked how Williams looked in minicamp. Quinn said the early read is that the receiver has feel. adding that Williams knows when to stop. how to adjust. and showed “awareness already as like a big-time receiver.”.
Quinn described Williams as having “great hands” and “great movements to go,” and said Williams has “definitely been one [of the rookies] that has absolutely jumped out.” Quinn finished by saying, “He’s got real skill about him. So, yeah, we’re really pumped about Antonio.”
Quinn also connected Williams’ standout moments to what he believes separates him from the usual profile-driven scouting. He said the traits that show up on tape—particularly as a route-runner—are the ones he expects to translate most clearly. Quinn pointed to Williams breaking defenders off option routes. in-breaking routes. and out-breaking routes. emphasizing that the receiver can stop and change directions with explosiveness.
“The feel. It’s not just a height, weight, speed thing,” Quinn said, explaining that measuring that kind of natural instinct is hard, but that it shows in a way the coaches can recognize immediately. Quinn said Williams has that natural feel “in the biggest way.”
Williams, meanwhile, is aiming for more than flashes. He has his eyes set on earning a starting spot in Washington’s receiving corps and working as a playmaker in the slot from day one. The timing also has a clear narrative pull for the team’s new franchise quarterback. with Williams expected to form a quick connection with Jayden Daniels.
Before the minicamp headlines, there was already a résumé built in college. Williams leaves Clemson as one of the program’s all-time receiving figures. ranking fourth in school history for career catches with 2. 336 yards and 21 touchdowns in 43 games. He was a two-time All-ACC performer and tied Mike Williams for fourth-most career touchdown grabs in Tiger history.
During the 2025 season—even amid changes on offense—Williams produced again. Listed at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds. he earned third-team All-ACC honors after putting together a stretch that included 55 catches for 604 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games. He also ran 13 times for 78 yards and a touchdown. launched a 75-yard passing play for a touchdown. and added 44 yards on punt returns.
Now the focus shifts to what happens when that Clemson production meets the NFL. Washington opens its 2026 season against the Eagles on September 13 at Lincoln Financial Field. and Williams is headed into that runway carrying a mix of draft-stock belief and a very specific early endorsement from the head coach—one Quinn didn’t hesitate to describe in terms of feel. instincts. and immediate readiness.
Washington Commanders Dan Quinn Antonio Williams Clemson rookie minicamp Jayden Daniels Eagles Lincoln Financial Field