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Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
More praise for Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey
Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey had a quiet rookie season in 2024. While McCaffrey played in every game, he wasn't targeted much, with fellow rookie, quarterback Jayden Daniels, trusting other veteran options, such as Terry McLaurin, Zach Ertz and Austin Ekeler. As last season progressed, Daniels felt more comfortable throwing to others, but McCaffrey finished the season with only 18 receptions and 168 receiving yards. Advertisement McCaffrey has reportedly had an impressive offseason and recently was among the standouts at Washington's three-day minicamp. With McLaurin holding out for the time being due to his contract, others have received opportunities, with McCaffrey leading the way. The second-year wideout and younger brother of 49ers star Christian McCaffrey earned praise from head coach Dan Quinn last week. Washington wide receivers coach Bobby Engram knows all about productive NFL wideouts. Engram played 14 NFL season, appeared in 176 games and caught 650 passes for 7,751 yards and 35 touchdowns. He sees McCaffrey making a big jump in 2025. "Just continued growth as a receiver," Engram said about what he was looking for from McCaffrey via Zach Selby of Route running, run after the catch, contested catches, really everything. But I thought Luke did a great job of just staying the course last year. Got out, took a bit of a hot start and then things kind of cooled off a little bit. But he never wavered in his approach and his work ethic. So, I think naturally the biggest jump will be between year one and year two. And I really like the speed and the way he's attacking football out there right now. He's made some really tough catches." We've predicted McCaffrey as a breakout player in 2025. He's unique. He has good size (6-foot-2), speed and toughness. He can play in the slot or line up outside. It wouldn't be a shock if McCaffrey ascends into that No. 3 receiver role early in the season. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Coaches continue to praise Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
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Commanders impressed with rookie Jaylin Lane's work ethic
The Washington Commanders made a big move at wide receiver this offseason, trading for former Pro Bowler Deebo Samuel to start opposite Terry McLaurin. Samuel would give the Commanders the legitimate No. 2 option they've lacked for some time. Washington also brought back Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn and signed former Cowboys receiver Michael Gallup. Brown was the Commanders' No. 2 receiver last year before an injury ended his season in Week 13. Osborn signed with Washington late last season, but rarely played. Gallup, a former starter for Dallas, is attempting an NFL comeback after retiring last year. Advertisement Another newcomer for the Commanders at receiver is fourth-round pick Jaylin Lane. We've seen videos of GM Adam Peters and his staff preparing to select Lane in the 2025 NFL draft, calling him the best punt returner (in the draft) and a top slot receiver. So, we know Washington is high on Lane's potential. What does his position coach, Bobby Engram, think? "Every aspect of being a better receiver, honestly," Engram said via Zach Selby of Washington's official website. Jaylin's a super smart guy. He's a coach's son, so he gets to exercise on a different level. Love his work ethic, but my job is to help him prepare just to kind of tap into every ounce of potential that he has, and he's willing to work and do that. So, I'm excited about that." Advertisement Heading into training camp, you can count Lane among Washington's locks for the 53-man roster at receiver. That means the Commanders have plans for him in 2025 that go beyond special teams. In college, Lane played in an archaic offense and didn't always have the best quarterback play, yet he proved he could deliver in many ways. Lane can beat you deep, work for the slot, get yards after the catch, or take handoffs. Don't be surprised if Washington gets Lane involved in Week 1 as it finds creative ways to exploit his blazing speed. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders impressed with rookie Jaylin Lane's work ethic
