“I feel like I can make any play”
Assuming he does win the job as at least the starting punt returner, it would end the Commanders’ long search for a long-term answer at the position. They have had 18 players return at least one punt over the last 10 seasons, with the most consistent option being Jamison Crowder in two separate stints with the team. The rest of the list includes the likes of Trey Quinn, Greg Stroman and Danny Johnson, all of whom had short careers for the Burgundy & Gold.
Lane still has OTAs, mandatory minicamp and training camp to prove he can earn that role, but he at least has the skill set to do it. He averaged 10.9 yards per punt return and 21.8 yards per kickoff return — the former would have led the Commanders’ roster in 2023 — and led his conference in punt return yardage twice in five years.
The Commanders still have Austin Ekeler, who averaged 31.3 yards per kickoff return and ranked third in total yardage, on their roster for at least another season. Assuming he keeps that role, that leaves Lane to compete for the punt return job. That suits Lane just fine, because that’s where he excelled the most in 2024. He had 24 returns with 245 yards, both of which led the ACC, and scored a touchdown against Marshall in Week 1.
“Just being back there, I feel like I can make any play, any catch and ultimately, take it to the crib,” Lane said after he was drafted. “That’s what you want to do as a returner.”