Commanders' Antonio Williams earns high praise from Stefon Diggs

Antonio Williams. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Commanders rookie WR Antonio Williams earns high praise from newly signed Stefon Diggs

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 7, 2026 12:20 PM ET

It hasn't taken long for Stefon Diggs to begin hyping up his new Washington Commanders teammates.

Just two days after inking a one-year contract with the Commanders, Diggs took the practice field on Friday. When speaking to the media after practice, Diggs had high praise for rookie third-round draft pick Antonio Williams.

Stefon Diggs loves what he's seen from Antonio Williams

"Young guy 14 (Williams) can hoop a little bit," Diggs told reporters. "Young guys don't get a name in the beginning, you just call them by their number, but he can hoop a little bit. He's got some game and hopefully I can be a piece in that process."

Williams, a rookie out of Clemson, was selected with the No. 71 overall pick in the third round and joins Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane as recent Day 2 wide receiver selections.

The vet and the rookie pic.twitter.com/1Rm6wz7h8F
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 7, 2026

Antonio William's role will decrease with the addition of Stefon Diggs

Prior to the signing of Diggs, Williams was expected to play a major role in the Commanders offense this season. He was likely going to be the No. 2 option behind star receiver Terry McLaurin.

Now, though, Williams will be able to take a step back and learn from veterans like McLaurin and Diggs. Being under the wing of those two will be an excellent place for the rookie to be, and he will have the opportunity to learn quite a bit from both of them.

A healthy season from quarterback Jayden Daniels could mean big production for all three receivers. That would also likely mean Washington makes it back to the playoffs for a second time in three seasons.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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