Commanders Rookie Electric Season Predicted By NFL Analyst
The Washington Commanders added to an already stellar offseason with a 2025 NFL Draft class that is rapidly growing in popularity.
Free agency acquisitions like offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and receiver Deebo Samuel will bolster the Commanders offense that was already lethal last season with breakout star quarterback Jayden Daniels.
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After the Draft, Daniels has been given even more firepower in the form of Virginia Tech receiver Jaylin Lane.
Even better? Lane was a steal in many eyes after being picked No. 128 overall in the fourth round.
Commanders fans can't be more excited, and that energy is rubbing off on analysts as well.
NFL Draft expert Todd McShay believes Lane's fit with the Commanders could turn out to be beneficial as any from this Draft.
Washington only had a five-player haul, and while McShay has raved about many of them, he particularly liked Lane.
"And Jaylin Lane at 128, I had him in my top 100 and I don't apologize for it," McShay said.
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"I think Jaylin Lane's going to wind up being the big surprise from this class as a fourth-round pick."
McShay added how Daniels and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will allow Lane to thrive like he never has before.
"You watch. With that quarterback and that play-caller, you watch Jaylin Lane and his 4.3-something speed ...
"Jaylin Lane has never had a quarterback who can accurately get him the football. So everything was a reverse, a bubble screen, like all sorts of gimmicky stuff," McShay added.
"He can return. He's an A++++ character. Just loves the game."
Lane likely won't be asked to be an immediate contributor because of how prolific Washington's offense already is, but that doesn't eliminate the possibility of him being used in a variety of ways to make an impact.
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At 5-10, 191 pounds, he has explosive play potential in the slot. Lane can dart through open space to be a reliable target for chunk plays.
Last season with the Hokies, he averaged 12.3 yards per reception, but also showed versatility running out of the backfield, rushing for 116 yards on 18 attempts (6.4 per).
We assume Kingsbury plans on getting him the ball in many creative ways to utilize that electric speed and elusiveness.
Now for Lane, it is a matter of him making good use of those touches on this loaded Commanders offense.
Related: Commanders New Tackle Praised in Rookie Comparison
Related: Commanders General Manager Grades Offseason Moves
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