The New England Patriots’ receiver room remains in flux, and one analyst believes the team will address it in the second round of this year’s draft. PFSN’s T.J. Randall projects Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams to land with the Patriots at pick 63, citing the slot receiver’s ability to create after the catch as a fit for quarterback Drake Maye.
A Look at Antonio Williams’ College Career and Draft Profile
Williams arrives as one of the most polished route runners in the class. The four-star recruit from Irmo, South Carolina, made an immediate impact at Clemson, earning freshman All-American honors in 2022 with 56 catches for 604 yards and four touchdowns.
After injuries limited his 2023 season to five games, Williams exploded as a junior in 2024 with 75 catches, 904 yards, and 11 touchdowns, earning first-team All-ACC recognition.
In two of his previous mock drafts, Randall had the Patriots selecting Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley and Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. in the second round. However, he went for a different side of the ball in his latest mock draft.
“We’ll switch things up here for the New England Patriots,” Randall wrote in his analysis for the selection. “The defensive side of the ball occupied this pick in both versions, but quarterback Drake Maye receives some reinforcement via Antonio Williams and his rich ability to extend the life of the play.”
Williams finished his collegiate career with 208 receptions for 2,336 yards and 23 touchdowns, ranking fourth all-time at Clemson in catches and passing DeAndre Hopkins on that list in his final regular-season game.
On PFSN’s Big Board, Williams is currently the 79th-ranked prospect and the 12th among receivers. The Clemson star has a PFSN grade of 85.86 and is projected to be a third-round pick.
He projects as a slot specialist at the next level. Williams ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. Draft analysts compared his game to Packers receiver Jayden Reed, noting similar traits: crafty routes, willingness to work the middle of the field, sure hands, and the ability to create after the catch.
The Patriots’ receiver situation demands attention. New England released Stefon Diggs in March after his cap hit ballooned to $26.5 million. Diggs led the team with 85 catches for 1,013 yards in 2025, but no other wide receiver topped 551 yards.
The current depth chart features Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams, alongside free agent addition Romeo Doubs.
Williams would slot into an offense that lacks star power around Maye. Even if New England completes a trade for Eagles receiver A.J. Brown after June 1, Williams profiles as an ideal complementary piece.
There’s also the Diggs factor. Patriots executive Eliot Wolf has not ruled out a potential reunion on a cheaper deal.
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According to PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric, the Patriots had the second-best offense in the league last season with an impact score of 86.6. For them to build on that, they’ll need more playmakers to help Maye.
Williams fits that bill as a ready-made contributor who can create separation and extend plays for a young quarterback still finding his footing.
