Deebo Samuel is reshaping the Commanders in ways nobody expected

So much for Samuel being a lazy, locker room distraction.

Physically, Lane and Samuel are not very similar. Samuel is bigger. Lane is faster. But both players offer the kind of versatility that is becoming increasingly valued in the NFL.

Lane played mostly in the slot at Virginia Tech, and that is where most analysts see him lining up in the NFL. But before his transfer to the Hokies, he starred at Middle Tennessee State, primarily lining up outside. In that role in 2022, he caught 69 balls for just under 1,000 receiving yards.

Samuel, as even casual NFL fans know by now, can line up just about anywhere on the field. Though he began as an outside Z receiver in San Francisco, he could also play the slot or act as a running back. If anyone can help Lane adjust to moving around in the NFL, he is the man.

Lane was an elite punt returner in college and will almost certainly get the chance to continue in the pros. Samuel, when called on to do it, is an excellent kickoff returner. It would not be a shock to see these two receivers serving as Washington’s primary return specialists this season.

And despite his relatively slender frame, Lane is like Samuel in one more crucial way. He is tough as they come. Growing up with a football coach as a father, the wideout learned early on what it takes to excel in a violent sport.

Most top receiver prospects skip the bench press at the NFL Scouting Combine. Lane, one of the lighter athletes in the upper tier of receivers, put up 14, one shy of what Samuel had done during his pre-draft assessments.

Last year in San Francisco, Samuel helped break another rookie receiver into the league.

Ricky Pearsall had a great deal to overcome in 2024, surviving a gunshot wound just before the start of the season. He came back strong and was a genuine bright spot for the Niners' struggling offense. The Florida product went out of his way to credit Samuel for helping him learn the pro game.

Now, Samuel brings not only his Pro Bowl-caliber talent, but also his leadership to the Commanders. And so far, he has at least one very willing student.

Referring to Samuel and McLaurin, Lane recently said, “As a rookie coming in, I’m gonna pick their brains as much as possible, watch them, learn from them to help elevate my game. I want to get to what they’re doing one day. I gotta be around the greats to become one.”

McLaurin has been a constant source of encouragement for younger Commanders’ receivers, and he will no doubt take Lane under his wing as well once his contract dispute is resolved. Until then, Samuel will do the job of shepherding the young player very nicely.

More Commanders news and analysis