Commanders' Jaylin Lane hype explodes after bold projection from top analyst

Adam Peters needed just five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft to give the Washington Commanders another major boost. One analyst added his name to the ever-growing list of those who believe they unearthed one of the true uncut gems on Day 3.

Specifically, wide receiver Jaylin Lane.

The Commanders made a concerted effort to improve the supporting cast around quarterback Jayden Daniels this offseason. Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. could become a bookend offensive tackle tandem for years. Deebo Samuel Sr. and Michael Gallup add something different to the receiver room. Seventh-round running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt comes with more promise than most taken that far down the pecking order.

Todd McShay hails new Commanders WR Jaylin Lane as legitimate draft steal

Washington's decision to select Lane at No. 128 overall went relatively under the radar compared to others. However, Todd McShay believes this could be the biggest surprise of the draft. He also thought being with an elite quarterback (Daniels) and offensive coordinator (Kliff Kingsbury) could propel the former Virginia Tech star to a completely different stratosphere.

Jaylin Lane at 128. I had him in my top 100, and I don't apologize for it. You guys watch. You watch with that quarterback and that play-caller. You watch Jaylin Lane and his 4.3-something speed. Jaylin Lane has never had a quarterback who could accurately get him the football, so everything was a reverse, a bubble screen, like all sorts of gimmicky stuff. He can return. He's an A++++ character. Just loves the game. I think Jaylin Lane's going to be the big surprise from this class as a fourth-round pick.Todd McShay

There is no immediate pressure on Lane to become an integral part of the team's game plan. That doesn't mean he cannot force his way into Kingsbury's thought process sooner than expected.

Lane fits what Kingsbury likes. He's a firecracker with the football in his hands, boasting the elite speed and elusiveness to turn small completions into lofty gains. He's not the most physically imposing, but he makes things happen. It's the perfect complement to what the Commanders already have, and his prowess in the kick return game should be utilized from the moment he steps onto an NFL field.

McShay's been around the draft analysis game for a long time. He sees something special in Lane, and the Commanders agree. Hopes are high that his transition will be smooth, and Kingsbury can find ways to get him involved quickly. And with Daniels under center, the football will almost always be in the right place at the right time.

After toiling with some subpar quarterbacks within a scheme that didn't suit his strengths in college, that'll be a breath of fresh air for Lane. Capitalizing on it is crucial.

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