ESPN analyst believes Commanders landed one of draft's better players

The Washington Commanders knew going into the 2026 NFL Draft that they were taking a wide receiver at some point. While there was a lot of smoke about going receiver at No. 7 overall, the depth of the wide receiver class allowed the Commanders to address the defense first and add a receiver with their second pick — No.

71 overall. Remember, Washington was without a second-round pick (and fourth) due to last year's trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil. The board worked in the Commanders' favor, as GM Adam Peters had several receivers to choose from.

His pick: Clemson wideout Antonio Williams. While Williams wasn't as explosive an athlete as some of the other receivers on the board, he is an excellent route runner, a terrific after-the-catch player, and can play outside or in the slot. While many draft analysts believe he'll be better in the slot in the NFL, Peters said the Commanders envisioned him playing outside.

In his post-draft column for ESPN, draft analyst Field Yates named his five favorite picks in each round. Williams was one of his picks for the third round. Tough, reliable, good after the catch, selfless and with strong hands.