When Clemson’s Antonio Williams officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft in late 2025, it didn’t exactly shock the world. He’d already spent four seasons in Death Valley. He’d seen the highs of a breakout freshman year and the crushing lows of an injury-riddled 2023. But for anyone tracking the antonio williams draft projection over the last year, the narrative has shifted more than a late-season depth chart.
He’s a bit of an enigma. Early on, people were calling him a lock for the first round. Then, reality—and a few nagging injuries—set in. Now, as we stare down the 2026 combine, the conversation is less about "if" he goes and more about "where" he fits. Is he the next great slot maven like Jayden Reed, or a depth piece who might struggle against NFL-level press coverage?
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Why the Antonio Williams Draft Projection is Falling (And Rising)
It’s been a weird ride. Honestly, if you looked at mock drafts from last summer, you’d see Williams in the top 20 fairly often. Fast forward to today, and most analysts, including the crew over at The Draft Network and College Football News, have him pegged as a solid Day 2 or early Day 3 guy. Specifically, the third round seems to be the sweet spot.
Why the slide? It isn’t necessarily a talent issue.
Williams finished his 2025 regular season with 55 catches for 604 yards and four touchdowns. Those aren't "holy cow" numbers, but they’re respectable given he missed time with yet another early-season injury. The durability concerns are real. When you’re 5'11" and 190 pounds, scouts worry about how your body will hold up against a 215-pound safety coming downhill on a crossing route.
But here’s the flip side.
He’s incredibly "heady." He understands space. While he might not have that "wow" top-end speed—most clocks have him in the 4.48 to 4.52 range—his short-area quickness is legitimate. On third-and-short, he’s basically a security blanket. He knows how to sit in the soft spots of a zone. That’s why some scouts still compare him to Khalil Shakir.
The Tale of the Tape
Let’s look at the raw data for a second because it tells a story of consistency over flash.
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In 2024, he was a monster: 75 receptions for over 900 yards and 11 touchdowns. That year remains the "gold standard" for his scouting report. It proved he could be a volume target. The 2025 season was more about versatility. He took snaps in the backfield, returned punts, and even threw a 75-yard touchdown pass. NFL coaches love that kind of utility.
He’s basically a Swiss Army knife.
The Slot Specialist Label
Most draft rooms have him labeled as a "Slot Only" prospect. That’s not a bad thing in the modern NFL, but it does cap your ceiling. If a team doesn't think you can win on the outside against press-man coverage, you aren't going in the first round.
Scouts from PFF have noted that while he has "crispy" routes, he can be bullied at the line of scrimmage. He doesn’t have the elite length or the "my ball" physicality of some of the other WRs in this class. He wins with nuance. He wins with "finesse."
If you’re the Buffalo Bills or the San Francisco 49ers—teams that prioritize route discipline and YAC (yards after catch)—the antonio williams draft projection looks a lot more enticing. In fact, some recent mocks have seen him landing in Buffalo late in the third round. Imagine him taking over those underneath routes; it's a terrifying thought for AFC East defensive coordinators.
What Really Matters: The 2026 Combine
Everything hinges on the 40-yard dash and the shuttle times. If he runs a 4.45? He’s probably a lock for the second round. If he’s closer to a 4.58? He might slip into the fourth.
He also needs to prove those "concentration drops" are a thing of the past. 2025 saw a few balls hit the turf that really shouldn't have. Scouts see those as mental lapses. At the NFL level, where windows are about the size of a toaster, you can’t have the "yips."
Comparing Williams to the 2026 WR Class
This year’s receiver class is deep but top-heavy. You have the "X" receivers who are 6'4" and jump out of the gym, and then you have the technicians. Williams is firmly in the technician camp.
- Reliability: High. He’s been a leader at Clemson since he was a freshman.
- Athleticism: Good, not great. He won’t outrun a corner who has the angle.
- Versatility: Elite. He can return punts and play "Z" or slot.
Ultimately, the team that drafts him is buying a high-floor player. He’s the kind of guy who makes a roster on day one and stays there for eight years because he doesn't make mistakes and he’s always where the quarterback expects him to be.
Final Outlook for the Draft
Expect the buzz to pick up after the Senior Bowl. He’s the type of player who shines in that environment because he can show off his route-running in 1-on-1 drills. When he doesn't have to worry about a complex Clemson offense and can just "beat the guy in front of him," he looks like a superstar.
Keep an eye on teams like the Rams or the Giants. They need that reliable chain-mover. The antonio williams draft projection currently sits firmly between picks 65 and 95.
If you're a dynasty fantasy football manager, he’s a prime second-round target. He’s going to get snaps early. He’s going to catch five balls a game for 50 yards and keep the sticks moving. It's not sexy, but it's effective.
To track his progress, follow the official NFL Combine results in February. Watch his 3-cone drill specifically; that's where his true value—his lateral agility—will be proven. If he finishes in the top 10% for wideouts in that drill, he's going to make some GM very happy on Friday night of draft weekend.