Todd McShay explains why Antonio Williams is his top WR in 2026 NFL Draft

NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay defended his take after ranking Clemson star Antonio Williams as the top receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft. Williams is coming off of an impressive third season with the Tigers and McShay believes he could take another leap forward this season.

Speaking on The McShay Show, McShay explained what he likes most about the receiver. He gave him the highest grade on his route-running ability, which is complemented by his speed.

“I want to see if Antonio Williams takes his game to another level this year,” McShay said. “He’s an average-sized playmaker. …I would give him a one as a route runner. Our position-specific grades, a one is excellent, two is above average, three is average, four is below average and five is marginal. So I give him a one as a route runner.

“I thought he was outstanding on all three levels. The stats matched up, 95th percentile in separation. I thought he was crisp off the line of scrimmage. Tempos and stems his routes beautifully. I love the way he drops his weight.”

Williams recorded career highs across the board last season with 75 catches for 904 yards and 11 touchdowns. Perhaps this can be the season he finally surpasses the 1,000-yard mark as he and quarterback Cade Klubnik will aim to take Clemson back to the College Football Playoff.

If that happens, he should have a shot to be a first-round draft pick. But for as much talent as he has, Williams isn’t without room to improve.

McShay noted that he didn’t give the receiver a perfect grade on his ball skills due to numerous drops from this past season. However, he added the caveat that he believes some of those drops were misleading and sees Antonio Williams as above average with his hands as well.

“Folks, this is why stats are super helpful and state can lead you somewhere, but stats also can lead you somewhere and you realize that’s not accurate,” McShay said. “Whoever’s doing their job for PFF did their job. The drops existed. But not scouting evaluation drops, if you will. Not all drops are made equal. There’s focus drops, there’s balls that are off target in like, bang, bang moments. But for him, he had the eight drops, but I was impressed for the most part. I thought he showed consistent ability to track the ball, adjust to the ball, pluck the ball away from his frame. I thought he’s a hands-catcher, not a body-catcher.

“The biggest knock I had on him, the reason I didn’t go one; two reasons. One, there were some focus drops. But I also think part of the reason for the number of drops is I don’t think he has a huge catch radius. He’s 5-11, 190. I just think he’s got NFL-like separation skills. Intermediate possession weapon with some vertical ability. Needs fewer drops and a little bit more yards after catch. I didn’t see enough — because he’s shifty and he’s quick and he’s got speed — I didn’t see enough after the catch from him.”

Time will tell whether McShay’s prediction holds true with an entire season of football still in front of us. But with a stacked class of receivers that includes names like Germie Bernard and Jordan Tyson, Williams stands as good a chance as any to be No. 1.