As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the receiver position boasts some of the Group of Five's more notable prospects. This includes a player who likely still has plenty of room to grow at the position in Luke McCaffrey.
McCaffrey had a highlight reel of a season, helping the Rice Owls reach their highest win total since 2016 with six.
Here's what to know about another draft prospect with some impressive lineage as well as impressive ability.
Background
Measurements: 6’2”– 198 pounds
The name McCaffrey is virtually football royalty at the point, between Ed McCaffrey’s 13-season, three-Super Bowl win NFL career and his oldest son Christian being an All-Pro running back for the San Francisco 49ers. This makes Luke McCaffrey’s football ascent not much of a surprise, although his path to the draft has been a winding one.
After beginning his career as a four-star quarterback recruit with Nebraska, his athleticism quickly showed that the 6-foot-2-inch, 198-pounder could provide value in various ways offensively.
McCaffrey threw for 608 yards and rushed for over 500 in 11 games with the Huskers before transferring to Rice, where Mike Bloomgren gave him another chance under center. However, after starting three games in 2021, McCaffery made the switch to his father’s position of receiver and quickly became a go-to target for the Owls. He hauled in 126 receptions for almost 1,700 yards and 18 scores while also taking 24 carries on the ground.
RELATED: 2024 NFL Draft Profile: Southern Miss RB Frank Gore Jr.
The Strengths
As evidenced by his position switch, McCaffrey obviously has the athletic traits that his father and brother possess and has been a dynamic weapon in Mike Bloomgren’s offense. That versatility should allow for him to be used in various spots as a receiver and his quarterback background could make him an intriguing option as a wildcat quarterback or in specialized situations.
During his second full season as a wideout, McCaffrey showed an increased ability as a route runner, which combined with his athleticism, should continue to grow at the next level.
McCaffrey lined up in the slot over 600 times during his career as a wideout and also took just under 300 snaps out wide, providing an ability to play both spots – but his spot at the next level will most likely be as a matchup challenge against opposing team’s nickelbacks.
What's Next
After having an impressive Senior Bowl week, McCaffrey’s Pro Day should see him record a 40-yard-dash time that puts him in line with the upper third of wideout prospects in this year’s draft. While he’s still a raw talent, there’s no denying that there’s major upside and McCaffrey should have a strong chance at being selected in April.
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