The Washington Commanders purposefully changed their offensive coordinator. Now, their wide receiver room comes into focus. General Manager Adam Peters spoke at the NFL Combine. When asked about the state of the position group by Bowie TV Sports, Peters spoke positively.
“We have Terry (McLaurin) and a couple of guys we drafted in Luke (McCaffrey) and Jaylin (Lane), who we’re really excited about, taking a big jump.”
McLaurin, when healthy, is the No. 1 receiver. He gives the Commanders the type of player that scares defenses with his ability to adjust and make the tough catch. While he didn’t start a game last season, McCaffrey provides a sure-handed receiver who gains separation underneath, winning by quick feet and guile. Meanwhile, Lane is a special teamer who could possibly contribute on offense this season.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of cool opportunities for those guys, moving them around in this offense.”
McCaffrey and Lane essentially play the position somewhat similarly. Both could potentially excel in the slot. McCaffrey is the better route runner in tracing crisp patterns in and out of his break. On the other hand, Lane is a pure speed wideout who wants to make a move and accelerate away from defenders.
Moving them around in the offense could mean a couple of things. First, offensive coordinator David Blough could see McCaffery and McLaurin on the same side of the field, forming two-thirds of a bunch formation. Lane would fit better in space, forcing the defender to make a one-on-one tackle. To capitalize on his speed, jet sweeps and end arounds, along with the occasional go route, could fit his skill set.
McLaurin Brings the Big Play, but Still Needs a No. 2
McLaurin is the centerpiece of the offense, possessing a strong chemistry with Jayden Daniels. However, to keep defenses from rolling coverage in his direction, the Commanders need help. If either McCaffrey or Lane were solid No. 2 wideouts, Peters would not have traded for Deebo Samuel. Samuel did not provide the spark the franchise anticipated. Pro Football Focus attests to that fact. For the second consecutive year, the team looks outward for a solution.
Free Agent Options Could Bolster New Offense
One option that could slide in financially and schematically is free agent Romeo Doubs. The former Green Bay Packers caught 202 passes for 2,421 yards and 21 touchdowns. Granted, Doubs is not a serious threat. However, he accelerates well and turns short catches into big gains.
Playing the No. 2 wideout, Dobbs would allow McLaurin the intermediate to deep third of the field. As mentioned, Doubs’ market aligns with the Commanders’ cap space. According to Spotrac, the 25-year-old owns a projected AAV of $12 million.
GettyFree agent wide receiver Romeo Doubs.
Daniels Needs WR Room to Improve to Bolster His Game
With a potential fifth-year option lurking, Daniels needs a bounce-back season. His hopes should involve the receivers. McLaurin is the one established, productive pass catcher. McCaffrey and Lee are secondary talents who will play a role but may not be a determining factor. Daniels, like most quarterbacks, needs more than just a star wideout to thrive.
If the Commanders don’t want to pay eight-figure annual salaries to any other receiver, the draft could be the solution. A wideout like Connecticut’s Skyler Bell, who profiles as a Day Two selection, is a faster wideout with decent size (6”, 180 pounds). His route tree appears varied.
Daniels needs a versatile wide receiver room to bring the offense forward. How Peters shapes the position group will reveal itself over the offseason.
GettyQuarterback Jayden Daniels celebrates a touchdown.
Commanders GM Hints at Creative Roles for WR in New Offense