The San Francisco 49ers may have already addressed wide receiver in free agency, and that too with blockbuster deals, but that does not necessarily mean they are done adding to the position. After bringing in veteran names like Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, San Francisco still appears to be exploring younger, long-term options for Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
That is where Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams enters the conversation.
Why Antonio Williams Could Still Make Sense for the 49ers
One recent mock draft has the 49ers targeting Williams despite their veteran additions, suggesting the front office could be thinking beyond just immediate depth.
In his latest mock draft, PFSN analyst Ian Cummings connected Williams to San Francisco and highlighted why the Clemson product may offer more than his frame initially suggests. At first glance, Williams might look like a traditional inside receiver, but evaluators clearly believe his game translates more broadly.
“At 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, Antonio Williams has the look of a pure slot WR, but in truth, he has the burst, agility, full route tree, release package, and contact resilience to take reps anywhere.”
That versatility is especially appealing in a Shanahan offense that asks wideouts to do far more than just win isolated routes. Williams has built a reputation as one of the cleaner route runners in this class, with the footwork, body control, and awareness to create separation in multiple areas of the field.
With a total of 23 career touchdowns, he also offers toughness over the middle and brings added value as a return option and all-around offensive weapon.
His college production backs up that profile. In 2025, he added 55 catches for 604 yards and 4 scores in 10 games, along with 78 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, and even a 75-yard passing touchdown. On the PFSN Consensus Big Board, Williams carries a grade of 85.80, ranks No. 86 overall, and is viewed as a potential first-round selection.
49ers’ Meeting with Antonio Williams Suggests Real Interest
San Francisco’s interest also appears to go beyond the projection and his draft speculation. The 49ers met with Williams during the 2026 NFL Combine, and the receiver later spoke positively about the conversation.
In discussing the meeting, Williams made it clear he could envision himself fitting into Shanahan’s system.
“It went good. Obviously, I have a lot of respect for what they do and what they’re about,” said Williams, via NFL analyst Chase Senior. “I can see my game mixing in really well with those guys. [Kyle] Shanahan and Mr. Lynch, he’s a great guy and a great role model. I have a lot of respect for him and his time as a player, and then transitioning to the GM role. I had a really good meeting with them. We’ll see what happens.”
He also referenced a key piece of 49ers culture that wide receivers are expected to embrace: “I’m just familiar with the way of ‘No Block, No Rock.’ Getting your nose in there is kind of the reason that I tried to make that shift in my mindset this year in my blocking game and in the run game.”
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That mindset matters in San Francisco, where blocking and physicality are non-negotiable traits for pass-catchers. Even after adding Evans and Kirk, the 49ers may still want another young receiver who can develop behind established veterans while contributing in specific packages early.
If San Francisco does use a draft pick on Williams, it would be a continuation of a broader plan. And in an offense built on adaptability, that kind of layered receiver room could pay off quickly.
