Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey had a quiet rookie season in 2024. While McCaffrey played in every game, he wasn’t targeted much, with fellow rookie, quarterback Jayden Daniels, trusting other veteran options, such as Terry McLaurin, Zach Ertz and Austin Ekeler.
As last season progressed, Daniels felt more comfortable throwing to others, but McCaffrey finished the season with only 18 receptions and 168 receiving yards.
McCaffrey has reportedly had an impressive offseason and recently was among the standouts at Washington’s three-day minicamp. With McLaurin holding out for the time being due to his contract, others have received opportunities, with McCaffrey leading the way. The second-year wideout and younger brother of 49ers star Christian McCaffrey earned praise from head coach Dan Quinn last week.
Washington wide receivers coach Bobby Engram knows all about productive NFL wideouts. Engram played 14 NFL season, appeared in 176 games and caught 650 passes for 7,751 yards and 35 touchdowns. He sees McCaffrey making a big jump in 2025.
“Just continued growth as a receiver,” Engram said about what he was looking for from McCaffrey via Zach Selby of commanders.com. Route running, run after the catch, contested catches, really everything. But I thought Luke did a great job of just staying the course last year. Got out, took a bit of a hot start and then things kind of cooled off a little bit. But he never wavered in his approach and his work ethic. So, I think naturally the biggest jump will be between year one and year two. And I really like the speed and the way he’s attacking football out there right now. He’s made some really tough catches.”
We’ve predicted McCaffrey as a breakout player in 2025. He’s unique. He has good size (6-foot-2), speed and toughness. He can play in the slot or line up outside. It wouldn’t be a shock if McCaffrey ascends into that No. 3 receiver role early in the season.