Jaylin Lane Stacy Revere/GettyImages

Overlooked rookie turning Commanders OTAs into his own stage

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated May 29, 2025 2:30 PM ET

The Washington Commanders saw something others didn't in Jaylin Lane. And the wide receiver didn't take long to start repaying this faith, if reports from organized team activities are any indication.

Washington believes it has a steal on its hands with Lane, who was somehow available for the Commanders to take at No. 128 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. His speed, elusiveness, and dynamic traits provide quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels with another versatile weapon. The former Virginia Tech star also has his sights set on immediate involvement in some capacity.

Lane wants to impact the offensive rotation right out of the gate. If it takes the rookie pass-catcher a little longer to firmly establish himself, he's confident of becoming an asset on special teams. Either way, the Commanders are getting an outstanding playmaker capable of being influential in more ways than one.

Jaylin Lane blazing an imposing early trail at Commanders OTAs

Rick Snider from Yardbarker, who's covered Washington's football franchise for decades, highlighted how impressive Lane appeared during the recent OTA practice open to the media. The analyst revealed his elite-level explosiveness stood out considerably, as did the two outstanding catches made in drills. It's early days, but the Commanders might have a high-value pick on their hands if the same trend continues.

Commanders fourth-round receiver Jaylin Lane was impressive today. Has 4.34 speed and showed it in OTA. Made two nice catches. He could be a sleeper.
— Rick Snider's Washington (@Snide_Remarks) May 29, 2025

This is another positive step forward for Lane. It won't be easy to force his way into the team's offensive plans, but he cannot do anything more than he already is. After that, it's a case of giving Kliff Kingsbury enough confidence to see targets come his way.

It's not a bad problem to have. Kingsbury has a lot of mouths to feed all of a sudden. Keeping everyone happy is almost impossible, but it's much better than over-relying on one or two productive performers to get the job done.

Lane is leaving his mark. That's all he can ask for, but the competition for places is fierce. Getting complacent and letting these high standards slip is not an option. Fortunately, the wideout has a fierce inner drive that should keep complications to a minimum.

He wasn't the only rookie to catch the eye. Second-round pick Trey Amos came up with two interceptions and looked incredibly assured in coverage, according to those in attendance. Looking at the intrigue surrounding offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, this has the makings of yet another stellar draft from general manager Adam Peters.

It's hard not to root for someone like Lane. Hopefully, his strong start can become the springboard to a successful pro career in Washington.