Commanders' Antonio Williams led all NFL receivers in critical category in Week 1

When the Washington Commanders drafted wide receiver Antonio Williams in the third round this year, people smirked and mocked the organization’s decision. They wondered why Adam Peters and his scouts thought Williams could be an integral part of the Commanders’ offense and whether they had done enough to support Jayden Daniels. Several draft analysts believed better receivers were on the board at the time.

On Sunday, Williams himself answered those questions. He led all receivers with four receptions on four targets for 64 yards and a touchdown. The next closest receiver was Stefon Diggs, who had four receptions on nine targets for 55 yards and a touchdown. But it’s not Williams’ production that brings this topic up; it’s his ability to separate. Look at these charts for a minute.

Who was the most efficient receiver on a per-target basis in Week 1?

Commanders rookie WR Antonio Williams pic.twitter.com/r1IEo5LgNS— Marvin Elequin (@FF_MarvinE) September 16, 2026

This dude actually isn't joking. Here's every WR by Average Separation Score and YPRR

s/o the Chart Builder Tool in @FantasyPtsData's Data Suite 2.0 https://t.co/7usEwk8fSCpic.twitter.com/4NfxAJLJkL— Scott Barrett (@ScottBarrettDFB) September 16, 2026

Separation score among rookie WRs from Week 1.

Antonio Williams needs more snaps. https://t.co/hWmz7qkYQApic.twitter.com/3d13T2MlXU— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) September 15, 2026

Williams led all NFL receivers in efficiency. He and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers led the charge in separation score. Only Flowers had more yards per route run, but Williams’ separation score is slightly higher.

In his rookie debut, Williams caught every pass thrown his way, largely because he could separate from his defender. He doesn’t possess elite speed; that was one of his 'weaknesses' leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, but he plays fast from snap to whistle. He’s more slippery than explosive, and his yards-after-the-catch ability extends plays and sustains drives.

Antonio Williams could be the rookie that no one saw coming. We’ll know just how true that is over the next few weeks as the Commanders continue with their rigorous schedule. If Williams continues to lead the charge in separation, he could quickly become Jayden Daniels’ top target in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' Antonio Williams led all NFL receivers in critical category in Week 1