The Washington Commanders made a big move at wide receiver this offseason, trading for former Pro Bowler Deebo Samuel to start opposite Terry McLaurin. Samuel would give the Commanders the legitimate No. 2 option they’ve lacked for some time.
Washington also brought back Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn and signed former Cowboys receiver Michael Gallup. Brown was the Commanders’ No. 2 receiver last year before an injury ended his season in Week 13. Osborn signed with Washington late last season, but rarely played. Gallup, a former starter for Dallas, is attempting an NFL comeback after retiring last year.
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Another newcomer for the Commanders at receiver is fourth-round pick Jaylin Lane.
We’ve seen videos of GM Adam Peters and his staff preparing to select Lane in the 2025 NFL draft, calling him the best punt returner (in the draft) and a top slot receiver. So, we know Washington is high on Lane’s potential.
What does his position coach, Bobby Engram, think?
“Every aspect of being a better receiver, honestly,” Engram said via Zach Selby of Washington’s official website. Jaylin’s a super smart guy. He’s a coach’s son, so he gets to exercise on a different level. Love his work ethic, but my job is to help him prepare just to kind of tap into every ounce of potential that he has, and he’s willing to work and do that. So, I’m excited about that.”
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Heading into training camp, you can count Lane among Washington’s locks for the 53-man roster at receiver. That means the Commanders have plans for him in 2025 that go beyond special teams. In college, Lane played in an archaic offense and didn’t always have the best quarterback play, yet he proved he could deliver in many ways. Lane can beat you deep, work for the slot, get yards after the catch, or take handoffs.
Don’t be surprised if Washington gets Lane involved in Week 1 as it finds creative ways to exploit his blazing speed.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders impressed with rookie Jaylin Lane’s work ethic