CLEMSON, S.C. — Antonio Williams just put the NFL on notice. During Thursday’s Pro Day at the Poe Indoor Facility, the former Tigers standout posted elite testing numbers and spent significant time chatting with Minnesota Vikings wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell. With the 2026 NFL Draft only weeks away, Williams effectively erased lingering durability concerns by looking every bit the explosive playmaker that finished fourth in program history with 208 career receptions.
Williams moved with a surgical precision that scouts have come to expect, but it was his burst out of breaks that stole the show. He looked completely recovered from the hamstring issue that cost him time last fall. After the Minnesota Vikings lost Jalen Nailor to a lucrative free-agent deal with the Raiders earlier this week, the search for a versatile WR3 has intensified. McCardell, a technician during his own 17-year playing career, appeared particularly focused on Williams’ ability to create separation against press coverage. Williams already clocked a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the combine, and his fluidity in the shuttle drills Thursday suggests he can thrive in the high-volume, timing-based attack Kevin O’Connell runs in the Twin Cities.
The atmosphere inside the facility was electric as Williams hauled in every target during the passing session. You could feel the focus in the room when McCardell pulled Williams aside for a private conversation after the final rep. Williams isn’t just a slot specialist; he showed the strength to win on the outside, a necessity for a Vikings team that loves to rotate Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison across the formation. His personal journey from a breakout freshman to an injury-riddled sophomore year has clearly built a level of mental toughness that pro teams value. The chilly South Carolina wind didn’t deter the scouts, who stayed late to watch Williams work through extra red-zone sets.
“I’ve been through the ringer with the injuries, and I know what people say. Today wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about showing I’m a professional who can stay on the field and produce. Talking with Coach McCardell was a blessing—he’s a legend who sees the game differently.”
— Antonio Williams, Clemson Wide Receiver
Minnesota currently sits in a position where they must identify a reliable third option to take the pressure off their star duo. While sophomore Tai Felton is currently slated for a larger role, Williams offers a more polished route tree that could see him contribute on Day 1. Most analysts project Williams as a top-100 lock, likely coming off the board in the late second or early third round. His ability to return punts—averaging nearly 9 yards per return at Clemson—adds a special teams value that makes him an easy choice for a roster needing depth. If McCardell’s intensive sideline chat is any indication, don’t be surprised if the Vikings turn in a card with Williams’ name on it come April 24th in Pittsburgh.
