Unheralded Commanders rookie gaining legitimate buzz before training camp

The Washington Commanders didn't have the busiest draft in 2025, selecting only five players after giving up a plethora of picks in trades for cornerback Marshon Lattimore, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.

Those new additions ended up being Josh Conerly Jr. (pick No. 29), Trey Amos (No. 61), Jaylin Lane (No. 128), Kain Medrano (No. 205), and Jacory Croskey Merritt (No. 245). All could feature prominently as Washington aims for another deep playoff run in 2025.

Conerly and Amos are both expected to make immediate impacts, and insiders have been raving about Croskey-Merritt's potential as a late-round steal since shortly after the draft. But one rookie's potential to step right into a major role has gone completely overlooked.

As Terry McLaurin's contract holdout continues to cloud the organization only days before the start of training camp, it's time to start considering the uncomfortable reality of what the team's receiving corps may look like without him. In that case, Samuel becomes the top weapon, while it's anybody's guess who could emerge as the No. 2 option.

Jaylin Lane has the chance to excel in the Commanders' offense as a rookie

Noah Brown and Michael Gallup suffered injury problems over Washington's offseason program, leaving 2024 third-rounder Luke McCaffrey in a prime position to move up the depth chart. Veterans Chris Moore and K.J. Osborn could also be in line for rotational roles, but neither is expected to be a significant contributor.

That leaves Lane, whose speed alone should get him on the field right away. The former Virginia Tech standout is a versatile weapon who can be used in a variety of ways. In college, he lined up as a receiver, a returner, and even came out of the backfield on occasion.

Lane is the type of gadget player who seems to be an ideal fit in Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme. With an opportunity to potentially be a starter right from the get-go, his production could be much greater than expected.

He'll have a strong shot at being Washington's primary punt returner. If Lane can build a strong rapport with quarterback Jayden Daniels, his ceiling as a wideout will rise considerably.

The Commanders' top priority should be getting McLaurin back on the field as soon as possible. But if the worst happens, Washington should be excited for the opportunity it presents to a local product who'll have a chip on his shoulder.

Grab a seat on the Lane hype train while you can — he's ready to leave the station.

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