The Washington Commanders have received plenty of praise for their selection of Clemson wideout Antonio Williams in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. There have been Amon-Ra St. Brown comparisons, while others think Williams will be one of the draft’s best values.

When the Commanders selected Williams, draft analysts were quick to say that he’s the perfect NFL slot receiver. While Washington GM Adam Peters is excited about Williams’ ability to play in the slot, he also believes he can be a starter on the outside.

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“He can play Z and F, or you know, Z and slot,” Peters said after the Commanders selected Williams. “And so, he’ll work at both of those. The things that he can show you can play outside. He’s not huge, but he is not small. He’s just a hair under six feet and he’s a really tough player and he’s got really good releases. He plays really fast. So those things allow him to win on the outside versus bigger corners.”

We’ve heard a lot about what others think Williams can do. What does Williams think he can do as a rookie in 2026?

“I just want to contribute early,” Williams told Darien Rencher of “The Journey.”

“I’m trying to get out there and make the most of my opportunities. First game of the season, man. So, when it’s third down or a crucial moment, I wanna be that guy to go to.”

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That should be music to the ears of Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Williams is expected to be a significant contributor as a rookie. Daniels lacked weapons last year, and the Commanders have worked hard to address that this offseason. After missing out on Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs in free agency, Washington brought back Dyami Brown and signed veteran Van Jefferson. The Commanders are also expected to pursue 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk once San Francisco moves on from him, but that has yet to happen.

Washington has also been linked to four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs.

Whether the Commanders sign Diggs or Aiyuk, Williams will immediately become a big part of Washington’s new-look offense under David Blough. That’s great news for Daniels and Terry McLaurin.

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This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Antonio Williams has message for Jayden Daniels