Antonio Williams, Clemson, Minnesota Vikings
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Antonio Williams #0 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a catch during the first half of a football game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings have had an interesting NFL offseason thus far. Unfortunately, the offseason has cost them wide receiver Jalen Nailor, who ended up signing a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.
Nailor, who has been an ideal No. 3 wide receiver for the Vikings, will need to be replace. Having a legitimate option to take advantage of defensive pressure on Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison is a must for Kevin O’Connell’s offense is a must.
While there are still some free agents available that Minnesota could consider, the 2026 NFL Draft seems to be the most likely avenue to finding a replacement.
That being said, a potentially perfect replacement option has been predicted to land with the Vikings in the April draft.
Minnesota Vikings Land Prediction to Add Jalen Nailor Replacement
On SI’s Will Ragatz has come out with a new 2026 NFL mock draft. In the third round of that mock draft, he has Minnesota selecting Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams.
“With Jalen Nailor gone, the Vikings need to bring in someone who can compete with Tai Felton for the WR3 job. Williams, who was seen chatting with Keenan McCardell at Clemson’s Pro Day recently, would be an exciting choice,” Ragatz wrote.
“He had 900 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024 and also has 20 carries over the past two seasons. He’s a dynamic slot receiver with good hands and YAC juice. He’s undersized and has dealt with some injuries, but Williams can really play.”
Standing in at 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Williams could fit the slot role perfectly for the Vikings. He comes from great college coaching under Dabo Swinney and showed consistent development throughout his four years with the Tigers.
What Would Antonio Williams Bring to the Vikings’ Offense?
Williams caught 55 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns in 2025. However, his 2024 season was much more eye-opening, as Ragatz mentioned, with 75 receptions for 904 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Bleacher Report revealed their NFL comparison for Williams to be Houston Texans young wideout Jaylin Noel. As a rookie in 2025, Noel caught 26 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns.
Among the strengths that Williams brings to the field are an excellent middle of the field route runner, is great against zone coverage, and he’ll have an opportunity to be a playmaker in the open field. Basically, his style will fit the role that Nailor has had.
Whether or not Minnesota will actually target Williams in the upcoming draft remains to be seen. He would be a great addition and could immediately take over Nailor’s role as a rookie.