The Washington Commanders caused a stir by hiring prolific ex-wide receiver Wes Welker to their prestigious staff team. Nobody stands to benefit more than one of the team's fledgling pass-catchers looking to increase their influence in 2025.
Welker is back in the NFL after leaving his position as Miami Dolphins wide receivers coach. He's the Commanders' new personnel analyst, working with both the personnel and coaching departments. This adds yet another experienced figure with proven credentials to Dan Quinn's trusted associates. It's another example of no stone being left unturned in pursuit of sustained growth.
His on-field credentials need no introduction. Welker was one of the cleanest route-runners of the modern era. He was a prolific short-to-intermediate presence capable of creating separation effortlessly. The former Texas Tech standout emerged from undrafted obscurity to become among the league's best at his craft, accumulating more than 900 receptions for almost 10,000 receiving yards over his glittering career.
This was a shrewd hire by the Commanders. Welker is an ex-college teammate of Kliff Kingsbury. He knows general manager Adam Peters well from their time together on the San Francisco 49ers. He also worked closely to maintain wideout Deebo Samuel Sr.'s fitness over his early years when his weight began to fluctuate.
Luke McCaffrey should be glued to Wes Welker during Commanders' 2025 preparations
That's going to help greatly. However, there's just no telling what Welker's presence could do for Luke McCaffrey entering Year 2 of his professional career.
McCaffrey has the athletic skills to be more impactful. The No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft was always going to be a work in progress, especially considering he'd played wide receiver for only two seasons in college. He flashed moments of promise when targets came his way. There was also a lot to like about his contribution in the kick-return game later in the campaign.
The Rice graduate needs to spend as much time as possible with Welker this offseason. Having this learning tool is something McCaffrey should take full advantage of if he's serious about becoming a focal point. Picking up some tricks of the trade about the subtle intricacies that separate the good from the great versus elite-level competition is going to make a significant difference.
There is also an opportunity to generate more involvement next season. The Commanders traded for Samuel to become the team's No. 2 option opposite Terry McLaurin with the versatility to move around. Noah Brown projects to be a boundary threat downfield after being re-signed to a one-year deal.
That leaves the slot specialist role open (for now). If McCaffrey can develop under the expert guidance of Welker and other coaches throughout the summer, he could plug the gap long-term.
Welker will command instant respect from the moment he gets into the building. His résumé speaks for itself. McCaffrey should be hanging on his every word throughout Washington's preparations for the upcoming campaign.
If this budding relationship has the desired effect, a genuine breakout season for McCaffrey might not be too far behind.
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