Replicating what four-time Pro Bowler Amon-Ra St. Brown does is a tall order for any wide receiver, but the Washington Commanders have a plan to use an unexpected pass-catcher the same way as the Detroit Lions’ All-Pro.
It’s not five-time 1,000-yard receiver Terry McLaurin. Nor is it anticipated signing, disgruntled San Francisco 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk. Instead, the Commanders plan to use 2026 NFL draft third-round pick Antonio Williams the same way as St. Brown.
That’s according to ESPN insider John Keim. He explained on The John Keim Report, “I know that there’s some, the way he could be (Williams) used, there’ll be some similarities in terms of usage to how St. Brown was used in Detroit, where they align him. Whether or not he’s gonna be as effective, I don’t know. St. Brown is really damn good. And they’re different players, they’re different style of players, but it’s where they could line up.”
Keim was addressing Williams’ intention to don the No. 14 jersey as a rookie. It’s the same number worn by St. Brown, but Commanders fans will hope the similarities don’t end there.
Fortunately, Keim made another interesting and encouraging comparison for Williams after watching the former Clemson star impress at Washington’s rookie minicamp.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Role a Lofty Plan for Antonio Williams
Any comparison between Williams and St. Brown must begin with how they are used from the slot. It’s where St. Brown does a lot of his damage for the Lions, getting 431 slot snaps last season, per Player Profiler.
Williams was also a fiend when lined up inside for the Tigers, so he projects well as a slot receiver at the pro level. As Keim put it, “He’s still gonna live mostly in the slot. There’s gonna be a lot of condensed splits, so it’s not gonna always be the slot, but a condensed splits, but he’s gonna live. That’s gonna be his primary, but he can play outside.”
There’s also a physical dimension to be considered, since Williams is 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, while St. Brown is 6-foot and 202 pounds. Neither possess elite measurables, but both play bigger than their size. It’s why the Lions are able to move St. Brown around and align him close to the line of scrimmage.
This same approach fits what Keim saw from Williams at rookie minicamp on Friday, May 8. When the Commanders were using “him in some, a lot of condensed split situations in some warmup drills and other times too.”
Williams already looks primed to adopt some of the same alignments St. Brown takes in Detroit, but the rookie could also be a threat from the backfield. At least based on Keim’s next comp.
Commanders Rookie Has Running Back Traits
Keim pointed out how Williams is “gonna be very good on the yards after the catch because I think of that suddenness. And you watch how he just takes the ball and quickly gets that snatch and go. Get that, get, snatch that ball there and go. I think he’ll do that very well. Austin Ekeler was really good at that.”
Comparisons to Ekeler, who has historically been one of the more prolific pass-catching running backs in the NFL, before injuries cut his time in Washington short, is significant. The Commanders have other receivers out of the backfield, notably veterans Rachaad White and Jeremy McNichols, but Williams could be more dynamic.
Williams can adopt the traits Keim described learning from Ekeler: “I remember talking to Ekeler about this, and what I learned from him is just like, he would use a drop step, similar to basketball, right? You’re dropping step, you get in position to get that. So, but his was a drop step, and it just takes you upfield. You gotta secure the ball first, but it takes you upfield. And I saw, you could see that with Williams, the ability to quickly turn upfield after the catch. It’s why, and it’s sharp, and it’s why he’s gonna get some yak for them.”
These are bold comparisons for a player yet to play a meaningful snap in the pros, but Williams is being counted on to finally offer the support McLaurin needs. Of course, the Commanders have been here before with 2024 third-round pick Luke McCaffrey and 2025 fourth-rounder Jaylin Lane, both of whom have struggled to impress.
Fortunately, Keim is convinced Williams is “better than those guys coming in, and I don’t think it’s even close.”
That’s just what the Commanders hope for from Williams as he continues to grow into an exciting, St. Brown-style in new coordinator David Blough’s offense.
Commanders Have Amon-Ra St. Brown Plan for Key Wide Receiver