The Washington Commanders didn't have a great need at the wide receiver spot entering the 2025 NFL Draft. That didn't stop Adam Peters from selecting Jaylin Lane when the opportunity arose at No. 128 overall.
Some new information from a respected draft analyst indicates the Commanders might have a potential steal on their hands.
Lane is a tremendous athlete with the ability to impact proceedings all over the field. He's another explosive threat for quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels to depend upon. If the former Virginia Tech standout imposes himself immediately, there is an opportunity to carve out a role for himself right out of the gate.
Commanders could have another draft steal in WR Jaylin Lane
Ryan Fowler from The Draft Network believes it's possible. The analyst confirmed that Lane had an early Day 2 grade heading into his final season with the Hokies. His stock slid after he wasn't utilized effectively, which worked in Washington's favor when push came to shove.
"Some context here, WR Jaylin Lane had early day 2 grades from teams back in the spring. Versatile playmaker that wasn’t done any favors with the offensive architecture of Virginia Tech this fall where he was really put in a box. Dynamic with the ball in his hands and can flat-out fly. Ran 4.34 in Indy. Kliff Kingsbury will allow him to be an athlete & expand the playbook."
Ryan Fowler
The Commanders have a masterful play-caller leading the offensive charge. Kliff Kingsbury will know exactly how to maximize Lane's skill set. Whether that's stretching the field or getting the football into his hands quickly, the rookie will be put in much more profitable positions moving forward.
Adding some extra play strength is crucial for Lane. Bolstering his route tree and working on manipulation at the top of his route stems will also serve him well. However, his pure athleticism and elusiveness in open space can help immediately while polishing potential problem areas of his game.
Lane has tremendous potential. Expecting miracles right away would be unrealistic, but there's nothing to suggest he cannot accumulate his fair share of targets as the campaign progresses. Based on special teams coordinator Larry Izzo's reaction to the pick, a starting spot in the return game is also likely in Year 1 of his professional career.
Peters was all about finding the right value regardless of need. Lane represents exactly that in the fourth round if he lives up to his initial projections before the 2024 campaign.
If he exceeds expectations, this could be one of the draft's best steals when it's all said and done.
