Antonio Williams

NFL Draft Profile: Antonio Williams

Position: Wide Receiver | School: Clemson | Class: Redshirt Junior

Height: 5'11" | Weight: 195 lbs | Archetype: Route Runner / Slot

College Career Summary

Antonio Williams has been a cornerstone of the Clemson offense since arriving as a four-star recruit. After an explosive true freshman season in 2022 (Freshman All-American), he navigated an injury-plagued 2023 before a monster breakout in 2024, where he posted 75 receptions for 904 yards and 11 TDs.

The 2025 season was a test of resilience. After an early hamstring injury in the opener against LSU, Williams returned mid-season to stabilize the Tigers' offense, leading the team in receptions (55) and receiving yards (604) despite missing multiple games. He finishes his career ranked 4th in Clemson history in receptions (208), tying Mike Williams for 4th in touchdown receptions (21). A master of the "short-to-intermediate" game, he projects as a high-floor NFL slot receiver who can also contribute as a punt returner.

Career Stats Highlights

• Receptions: 208 | Receiving Yards: 2,336 | TDs: 21 Rec / 2 Rush / 2 Pass

• 2025 Stats: 55 Rec, 604 Yds, 4 TD (plus 78 Rushing Yds, 1 TD)

• Special Teams: 39 career punt returns for 351 yards.

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Rec/Yds/TD)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs LSU	1 / 11 / 0	D	Injury. Exited after 5 plays with a hamstring strain.
2-4	—	—	N/A	Sidelined (Clemson went 1-3 without him).
5	@ No. Carolina	2 / 21 / 0	B-	Return from injury; threw a 75-yard TD pass on play one.
6	@ Boston Coll	7 / 85 / 0	A-	High volume; looked back to 100% burst and suddenness.
7	vs SMU	6 / 54 / 0	B	Reliable chain-mover; drew three defensive holdings.
9	vs Duke	10 / 142 / 1	A+	The Apex. Season-high yards; unguardable in the slot.
10	vs Florida State	6 / 62 / 1	A	Scored a critical TD; physical at the catch point.
11	@ Louisville	7 / 52 / 0	B+	5th straight game with 6+ catches; master of leverage.
12	vs Furman	2 / 57 / 2	A	Only 2 catches, both for TDs; showed deep-threat capability.
13	@ So. Carolina	7 / 66 / 0	B+	Battle-tested in rivalry; elite concentration in traffic.
Bowl	vs Penn State	DNP	N/A	Injury/Opt-Out. Sidelined with a late-season knock.

Scouting Grade Rubric

Intangibles (.20) — Grade: 95/100

• Leadership: Two-time captain; the "glue" that held the offense together through a 1-3 start.

• Mental Toughness: Recovered from a lost 2023 season and a 2025 early injury to remain an All-ACC threat.

• Competitor: High. Plays bigger than his 195lb frame; fearless going over the middle.

• Team Player: Known for blocking and contributing in the punt-return game without complaint.

• Star Power: When he is on the field, the Clemson win percentage jumps significantly.

Physical Tools (.20) — Grade: 80/100

• Height/Weight: 5'11", 195 lbs. (Under 6'0" target; compact but lean frame).

• Stamina: High; a 3-down player who rarely needs a rotation.

• Durability: Main Concern. Multiple lower-body injuries (foot in 2023, hamstring in 2025).

• Injury History: Redshirted 2023 due to injury; missed 3 games in 2025. Medicals are critical.

Attributes (.20) — Grade: 93/100

• Catching: Natural hand-catcher; rare "late hands" that don't tip off defenders.

• Route Running: Elite. One of the most polished technicians in college football.

• Body Control: Strong; elite ability to adjust to balls behind him on crossers.

• Separation: Creates space via "snap" at the break point and deceptive route stems.

• Release: Sudden; uses high-level footwork to avoid the jam.

Athleticism (.20) — Grade: 89/100

• Speed: 4.46 (Estimated). More "quick" than "fast," but has a 2nd gear in the open field.

• Agility: Elite. Fluid hips and elite change-of-direction (COD) in short areas.

• Jumping: Solid; won't win many jump-balls over 6'3" corners, but tracks well.

• Acceleration: Sudden; reaches top speed instantly after the catch (RAC).

• Break Tackle: Uses his low center of gravity to slip arm tackles; deceptive play strength.

IQ (.20) — Grade: 98/100

• Awareness: Elite; essentially a "coach on the field" who finds every void in zone coverage.

NFL Scouting Report

• Strengths: Pro-ready route running; elite agility and short-area quickness; high-volume production in the SEC/ACC; versatile weapon (Punt Returner, Passer, Rusher).

• Weaknesses: Height/Weight thresholds; history of lower-body injuries; lacks "true" vertical burner speed for the outside.

• Scheme Fit: Ideal Slot Receiver in a high-volume Spread or West Coast offense (e.g., Patriots, Packers, Dolphins).

• NFL Comparison: Amari Rodgers / Hunter Renfrow.

Scout's Final Word

"Antonio Williams is a 'security blanket' receiver. He doesn't have the 6'3" frame or 4.3 speed that generates headlines, but he understands leverage and spacing better than almost anyone in the 2026 class. His health is the only thing that could keep him from a long NFL career. If he stays on the field, he’s a 70-catch-per-season player in the slot. Projected: Round 2–3."