Editor’s note: We’ll be running down some key roster battles in the the leadup to Washington Commanders training camp later this month. John Portis has taken the lead on this series that will look at rookies, veterans, and free agents who are fighting for playing time in July.
The Washington Commanders have Terry McLaurin locked in as their No. 1 wide receiver for the 2026 season. He is healthy, ready to report to camp and in great shape. New offensive coordinator David Blough is on record saying he wants to get the Commanders’ wide receiver 10 targets a game. Blough is also expected to follow the growing trend of heavy 12 personnel usage, so with McLaurin locked in on the field, there will be just one other wide receiver on the field in many formations. Using Ben Johnson’s offense as a model, this player would need to bring a full route tree, versatility, run-blocking, and yards-after-catch ability. There are no less than four receivers in camp vying for the starting role opposite of Washington’s best wide receiver. Today, we focus on two specifically: one a veteran, the other a rookie.
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Treylon Burks was selected with the 18th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. Drafted out of Arkansas, where he put up 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior and was known for his YAC ability. His career in Tennessee was marred by injuries, and Burks was released by the Titans in Oct. 2025 with a total of 53 receptions for 699 yards and one touchdown in 27 games. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Burks brings size and contested-catch ability to the Commanders.
While not known as a refined route runner, Treylon has the versatility to play on the outside while also profiling as a big slot receiver. Posting an official 4.55 40-yard dash, Burks is not a speed threat, but after being signed to the Commanders practice squad and eventually the active roster, he was able to make an impact with last year’s team. Appearing in 10 games with three starts, Burks recorded 10 receptions for 130 yards with one touchdown. He had zero drops and a 100% catch rate in contested situations, including the NFL’s best catch of 2026. The team liked what they saw from Burks and slowly increased his snap count over the season. Then they inked him to an extension just days before the start of free agency. Burks considers himself a fit for the Commanders new offense, citing Blough’s promotion to offensive coordinator as one of the reasons he decided to stay with Washington.
At 5’11 1/2″ and 187 pounds, third-round NFL draft pick Antonio Williams is the antithesis of Burks in some ways. He is a polished and refined route runner that easily creates separation. Williams is not an imposing player like Burks, and while he can win in some contested catch situations, he is not physically dominant like the former Titan.
Williams is not going to overpower defenders with his run-blocking, but has a good understanding of how to seal and wall off defenders in a zone scheme. A natural fit for the slot, there is debate among many about his ability to play on the outside. General manager Adam Peters has made it clear he believes Williams has the necessary versatility. In college, Williams created yards after the catch and has excellent vision with the ball in his hands.
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Burks was given multiple reps early in OTAs alongside McLaurin and responded by making a pair of tough catches along the sidelines and standing out in the early sessions. Williams also started to stake his own claim for the job, and Dan Quinn was quick to praise the rookie wide receiver. In fact, there has been early discussion of Williams as a potential offensive rookie of the year candidate. Commanders offensive assistant coach Wes Welker was quick to remind the media there is still a long way to go for the rookie, but Williams has looked the part early. Will he be able to win the starting role in camp, or will Burks’ pedigree, experience, and prototypical size be too much for the rookie to overcome?
Vs.
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