Latest news with #JaylinLane
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Commanders' Jaylin Lane embracing early role on special teams
When Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters revealed he was taking Virginia Tech wide receiver Jaylin Lane with their fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, he called him the top punt returner in the draft and a "really, really good slot receiver." In the latest edition of the "Commanders Log," Peters revealed that Lane was this year's "Commanders Caucus" pick. Last season, it was fifth-round pick Jordan Magee. The "Commanders Caucus" is a pick for the scouts on Day 3. Lane was truly an organizational pick. Peters and his scouting staff were excited, so was head coach Dan Quinn, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, wide receivers coach Bobby Engram and special teams coach Larry Izzo. Advertisement That role on special teams is something that Lane embraces. "That's gonna be part of my game," Lane said via Zach Selby of "Being a rookie coming in, I gotta play special teams regardless. So, I'm excited for that." Lane played three seasons at Middle Tennessee State and his final two years at Virginia Tech. He averaged 11 yards per punt return for his career and returned for two touchdowns. The Commanders have been looking for stability at punt returner for years, with Jamison Crowder and Olamide Zaccheaus filling the void most recently. Lane figures to have a prominent role early in his NFL career. He will need to win the punt returner role in training camp, but he should be the top contender. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' Jaylin Lane embraces special teams role
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Washington Commanders rookie Jaylin Lane is giving offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury no choice but to use him frequently in his rookie year.
Washington Commanders rookie Jaylin Lane is giving offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury no choice but to use him frequently in his rookie year. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders may have just found a diamond in the rough. Advertisement With their fourth-round pick at No. 128 overall, the Commanders chose the electrifying Virginia Tech wide receiver Jaylin Lane, who could turn out to be one of the most impactful rookies from the Draft. Many expect him to be a kick returner before he gets many chances with the offense, but that role is something he is attacking with full force. "I'm just here to dominate my role. That's gonna be part of my game," Lane said via the team website. "Being a rookie coming in, I gotta play special teams regardless. So, I'm excited for that. Just being back there, I feel like I can make any play, any catch and ultimately, take it to the crib. Advertisement "That's what you want to do as a returner. Speed is one of my assets. I plan on using it every chance I get." Even more exciting for the Commanders fans already drooling at the mouth is the reports of Lane's performance at OTAs this week. Washington insider Rick Snider was thoroughly impressed with what Lane showed as a receiver, calling the prospect a "sleeper" to crack the offensive rotation. Lane might not have been brought in because there was a major need for an offensive playmaker, but if he can be another weapon for star quarterback Jayden Daniels, that's a nice bonus. It could turn the Commanders into one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NFL ... if they aren't already after last season's fireworks. Advertisement The rookie Lane's first pro practices may be leaving Kingsbury no choice but to find him touches in that scheme. However, there are now two proven veterans in Daniels' arsenal, too. Joining Terry McLaurin in the receiving corps is Deebo Samuel Sr., acquired this offseason in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers. They each will be great assets for Lane's growth as the rookie can learn from two versatile athletes who have already thrived in high-octane offenses. As McLaurin and Samuel are the focal points of the passing game, Lane could find lanes open up for him, and if he "takes them to the crib", it will lead to more and more targets. Advertisement This creates for a crowded offensive situation, but Lane reiterated that he will fit whatever role he is called into. We believe that will be an impactful one with how Washington is already finding new ways to utilize him in kick returns and in the slot on offense. Says Lane: "I'm just very confident. And I feel like I'm gonna be able to help score some touchdowns for the Commanders." Related: Commanders Rookie Electric Season Predicted By NFL Analyst Related: Kingsbury Previews Samuel's Impact on Commanders This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders sign 3 members of their rookie class
The Washington Commanders reported to Ashburn on Friday for the beginning of rookie minicamp. But before the 2025 rookie class took the field, general manager Adam Peters finished some business with some members of the 2025 NFL draft class. Three of Washington's five draft picks signed their respective rookie contracts: 4th-round pick, WR Jaylin Lane The Virginia Tech speedster is expected to be the Commanders' primary punt returner as a rookie. Due to his game-breaking speed and versatility, he could quickly become a favorite target of quarterback Jayden Daniels. Lane played outside and in the slot in his college career and can also run the ball. Washington is excited about Lane's potential. 6th-round pick, LB Kain Medrano Kain Medrano will be a fun player to watch this summer. His combination of size, speed and coverage ability could get him on the field early, but there are concerns about his tackling. The Commanders can work with Medrano on his tackling. Finding players with Medrano's size/speed profile is more difficult. 7th-round pick, RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt Croskey-Merritt is another rookie the Commanders are excited about. He could get some carries early in his NFL career with the top four running backs entering the final year of their contract. An eligibility issue cost Croskey-Merritt all but one game last season. Had he played, Washington probably wouldn't have gotten him in the seventh round. The depth of the 2025 rookie class also helped push Croskey-Merritt down the board. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders signed 3 members of their 2025 rookie class
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders Receiver Move Earns Unusual Reaction
When the Washington Commanders traded for All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel this offseason, the organization felt they were acquiring one of the better second receiving options in the league. Paired with All-Pro wideout Terry McLaurin, the Commanders have a passing offense that can be one of the best in the NFL. Advertisement So what exactly can a fourth-round rookie do to help that solid group? Washington drafted Jaylin Lane out of Virginia Tech with the 128th overall pick in April's draft. Lane recorded 79 receptions for 1,004 yards and eight touchdowns in his two-year run with the Hokies. Through rookie minicamp, though, Lane is turning heads in a major way. To the point that general manager Adam Peters was able to look back at the selection, and recognize how universal the support was for the Clover, South Carolina product. 'We went around the room, and he had by far the most votes of anybody,' Peters said on the Pat McAfee show. 'You had buy-in from R&D, buy-in from the coaches, from the coordinators, from all our scouts. At that point, it was just a matter of, 'Hopefully he falls to us.'' Advertisement A unanimous vote (almost) on a fourth-round guy? That is unusual. If Lane can grow into a quality third receiving option for the Commanders, they should be able to take a massive jump with their offense in 2025. And may even get franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels on an MVP track - not just an All-Pro - next season. Related: Commanders Draft Pick Draws Comparison to Underrated Running Back Related: Commanders Have 1 Glaring Roster Hole Stopping Super Bowl Charge
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders Catch Heat For Offensive Draft Pick
The beauty of the NFL Draft is that many people have different opinions on each player, and that is certainly the case for Washington Commanders' fourth-round pick, Jaylin Lane. The Virginia Tech receiver comes to Dan Quinn's team looking to make his mark on the roster with rookie camp already underway, but not everyone is completely thrilled with the selection. Advertisement Granted, some fourth-round picks can be dart throws, but Bleacher Report draft analyst Damian Parson thinks the Commanders should have drafted Utah State's Jalen Royals instead. "Both Lane and Royals displayed their explosiveness and speed on film and at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. But outside of athletic ability, there aren't many similarities between the two pass-catchers," Parson wrote. "Daniels' deep passing accuracy and off-script playmaking elevated the Commanders' offense into a top-five scoring unit as a rookie. Adding Royals would have given this offense more bang for its buck and versatility for the future." (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) So this is purely subjective and only time will tell if Royals would have been a better fit than Lane, but it is clear the Commanders saw something in Lane that made them select him over Royals. Advertisement Exactly what that is we don't know, but now, we will be watching this Lane/Royals battle if you like throughout their rookie season and beyond. With Lane likely to begin his career on special teams and potentially earn snaps on offense, it will be interesting to see how he develops under Dan Quinn and Kliff Kingsbury. The Buffalo Bills were ridiculed for taking Keon Coleman instead of Xavier Worthy. The Commanders are hoping they won't be in the same boat with Lane and Royals. Related: Commanders Tied To Signing to Fan Favorite Related: Commanders Terry McLaurin Speaks Out On Charity Push
