Jaylin Lane Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Breakout hype explodes as Commanders’ rookie drops jaws with wild camp play

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated Jul 27, 2025 2:30 PM ET

There was a growing sense of intrigue around Jaylin Lane as he headed into his first training camp with the Washington Commanders. Fans in attendance got to see exactly why on Back Together Sunday.

The Commanders believe they have a steal on their hands with Lane. Second-year general manager Adam Peters had no hesitation in selecting the explosive wide receiver at No. 128 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he immediately set about repaying this faith with an outstanding early transition from college to the pros.

Making noise in a crowded wide receiver room will be difficult. Lane will be aiming for a key rotational role while also making waves in the kick/punt return game. The Commanders would like to bring the dynamic pass-catcher along gradually, but don't be surprised if he comes to the fore much quicker than some anticipate.

Jaylin Lane turned heads with sensational catch at Commanders training camp

Lane displayed the dazzling traits he could bring to the Commanders' offense during Sunday's practice session.

Those in attendance, which included fans for the first time this summer, drew collective gasps as quarterback Jayden Daniels launched a ball into the end zone, which the former Virginia Tech standout sensationally brought in over safety Quan Martin and second-year cornerback Mike Sainristil.

Commanders rookie WR Jaylin Lane had the catch of camp so far. Caught the ball over two defenders in the back of end zone during the last team period. was
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) July 27, 2025

Jayden Daniels just threw a dime to the corner of the end zone with :05 seconds left in a situation they were down 6. From around the 25. Jaylin Lane with a terrific catch and tapped feet in. Over 3 DBs including Sainristil. Throw was perfect.
— John Keim (@john_keim) July 27, 2025

It was a phenomenal catch. Much more will be needed to accumulate targets during the regular season, but this is the sort of electrifying playmaking that attracted the Commanders to Lane.

No moment is too big. Lane can make the extravagant look ordinary when firing on all cylinders. He's got enough speed to stretch the field, and his elusiveness with the football in his hands makes him an asset on screens and in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field.

Lane looks like a fantastic scheme fit within Kliff Kingsbury's offensive concepts. There will be some rookie growing pains, but all signs are pointing up right now. And this latest highlight should be a significant boost for his confidence before the pads go on at camp.

That should provide a broader indication of what Lane might be capable of in Year 1 of his professional career. He's doing more than enough for involvement currently. Keeping his foot on the gas and maintaining the same mindset should cement his status.

Martin and Sainristil, two of Washington's most talented defenders, got a rude awakening from Lane with thousands watching from the stands. They were the first, but they might not be the last.