Jan 28, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team wide receiver Jaylin Lane of Virginia Tech (83) runs the ball during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Commanders GM Adam Peters Heaps Praise On Former Hokies WR: 'Everybody in the Building Wanted To Draft Jaylin Lane'

Originally posted on Virginia Tech Hokies on SI
By Jackson Caudell | Last updated May 7, 2025 4:35 PM ET

Former Virginia Tech wide receiver Jaylin Lane was one of the most underrated wide receivers in the entire 2025 NFL Draft and it was a surprise that he lasted until day three of the draft. Lane was selected by the Washington Commanders with the 128th pick in the draft and it seemed like a great fit. With the reigning rookie of the year in quarterback Jayden Daniels, along with wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel, Lane should be able to fit in immediately with his speed and be a vertical threat for Washington.

Washington Commanders GM Adam Peters went on the Pat McAfee show yesterday and heaped tons of praise on Lane and talked about how much he wanted him on the team:

"He was our No. 1 returner in the draft, it all worked out really well, he fell to us, which we are really excited about and that was an easy pick, he's awesome. He just had his birthday the other day, he is getting married this summer, he is just awesome. Our coaches worked him out down there, just one of those that you really want to happen and it did and you feel good about those.

He is a special athlete, he is all of those things, you can see it on the field."

"Everybody in the building wanted to draft Jaylin Lane..

He's incredible and we feel really good about him"

Adam Peters #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/gbwJk2yQwe
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 6, 2025

As a Hokie, Lane marked just over 1,000 yards and 10 total touchdowns, breaking out as a standout wide receiver in the maroon and orange.

Despite Virginia Tech finishing with a 6-7 record, Lane still led the team in receptions (38) and earned his first ACC Receiver of the Week honor after a 106-yard performance in the Hokies' 37-17 win over Old Dominion in September.

Lane was invited to NFL draft combine in early March where he excelled.

Lane was a member of the second group of wideouts, these stats reflect his stats in comparison of everyone else in his group.

Height: 5'10"
Weight: 191 lbs
Hand Size: 9 7/8"
Arm Length: 31 3/4"
40-Yard Dash: 4.35 (1.5 10-yard split) (4th best among wide receivers)
Vertical Jump: 40" (3rd best among wide receivers)
Broad Jump: 11'0" (3rd best among wide receivers)

Below is an analysis from NFL analyst Lance Zierlein.

Overview

Semi-versatile slot option with legitimate long speed and talent to add yardage with the ball in his hands. Lane can stretch defenses from the slot with his build-up speed and is a viable option in catch-and-run packages near the line of scrimmage. He gives too many clues as a route runner and needs to work on running repeatable, fluid routes as a pro. While he’s tough as a runner, he can’t muster the play strength or ball skills to win the contested-catch game. Lane’s best qualities give him a chance to stick on a roster, but he might need to earn his keep as a return man early on.

Strengths

Build-up speed allows him to gain and maintain vertically.
Puts safeties on their heels with deep speed from the slot.
Capable of opening hips and reaching to make a catch on an off-target pass.
Good run-after-catch option on receiver screens and hitches.
Determined runner who breaks through arm tackles.
Fearless north-south mindset as a punt returner.

Weaknesses

Below-average short-area footwork and suddenness.
Needs to work on salesmanship and efficiency of his routes.
Short, choppy strides hinder separation at the top of the route.
Allows defenders to play through him at the catch point.
Needs better feel for angles and working back to the throw.

NFL Next Gen Stats revealed a 75 overall rating for Lane, going in depth with a further 6.16 rating labeled with "Good backup with the potential to develop into starter."

Below is a description of NFL's Next Gen Stats.

The Next Gen Stats Draft Model analyzes historical NFL Combine, pro day, and college production data to predict a prospect's chances of success in the NFL. The results of the model are transformed into composite scores, ranging from 50 to 99, which represent the athleticism, college performance, and overall profile of an NFL prospect.

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This article first appeared on Virginia Tech on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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