Commander Country

Commanders rookie wide receiver could compete for starter snaps

The Washington Commanders might have a rookie crack the starting lineup in the wide receiver room.

Jeremy Brener

Virginia Tech wideout Jaylin Lane during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Virginia Tech wideout Jaylin Lane during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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The Washington Commanders had five selections during the 2025 NFL Draft, and while Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. and Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos headline the class, there's one player from Day 3 who could also make an impact.

Virginia Tech wide receiver Jaylin Lane may not have been the strongest prospect in this year's class, but the Commanders could have a gem in the No. 128 overall pick.

ESPN insider Field Yates named Lane as a player to watch ahead of the season for the Commanders.

READ MORE: Commanders’ Josh Conerly Jr. focused on the learning curve at minicamp

Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Jaylin Lane runs up field after making a catch against the Syracuse Orange
Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Jaylin Lane runs up field after making a catch against the Syracuse Orange. / Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Lane could have potential for Commanders

"While Lane will have a chance to earn receiver snaps for Washington, what most excites me about his early impact is in the kicking game," Yates wrote.

"Lane is arguably the best punt returner in the draft class. Back in 2021, he averaged 15.5 yards per return, second best in FBS. He's shifty and instinctive, and he can flat-out fly. Olamide Zaccheaus handled the highest number of punt returns for the Commanders in 2024 but signed with the Bears this offseason. Lane should help pile up hidden yards."

With Dyami Brown gone, Lane will compete for those WR3 snaps with last year's third-round pick Luke McCaffrey, Noah Brown and Michael Gallup. It will be hard to crack that rotation, but Lane has a decent amount of upside, and he'll thrive as a punt returner, but offense may be a bit of a challenge.

READ MORE: Commanders' rivals will face off in a lame NFL season opener

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

More Washington Commanders News

• Commanders’ Josh Conerly Jr. focused on the learning curve at minicamp

• The unexpected connection between the Commanders and Ole Miss

• Gabe Taylor speaks following rookie minicamp with Commanders

• Commanders' UDFA proving 'it doesn't matter where you come from'

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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