The Washington Commanders still could use some wide receiver help this offseason. The Commanders acquired Deebo Samuel via trade to pair with Terry McLaurin, signed Michael Gallup, and re-signed Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn. Washington lost Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus (combined 75 catches in 2024).
The Commanders signed Gallup this week. The veteran receiver retired last summer but decided to give it another shot, and thanks to head coach Dan Quinn, he'll have a shot at sticking in Washington. Even if things work out with Gallup, he's more of a depth piece than anything.
There's always the NFL draft. The Commanders have only five picks but could easily accumulate more selections by trading down. Washington could target a receiver early, but the real value could come in the middle rounds. Virginia Tech wide receiver Jaylin Lane could be a steal. The 5-foot-10, 191-pound Lane had a productive college career despite quarterback issues, can be a dynamic returner, and brings plenty of speed to the table. Lane a 4.35 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury loves players with Lane's skill set. You can line him up outside or in the slot, and he's excellent after the catch. Don't assume he's only a slot, though, as Lane can beat you deep. If the Commanders draft Lane, he'll join one of the receivers he ranked among the top three in the NFL.
Earlier this week, Lane joined "Up & Adams," where he was asked to name his top three NFL wideouts: Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown and McLaurin were his picks.
It's good to see McLaurin getting the respect he deserves from young players. If Washington selected Lane, he'd have an ideal mentor in McLaurin. Even if Lane didn't start as a rookie receiver, he could be a huge asset to the return game.
