Luke McCaffrey | Rice 6’2” 198 lbs. 02/04/01 (23)
Luke McCaffrey was drafted by the Washington Commanders, becoming the 16th wide receiver and 100th overall player in the 2024 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
McCaffrey entered the NCAA as a redshirt freshman at QB for the 2019 season for Nebraska. He switched to WR during the spring before the 2022 season and raised the curiosity of NFL scouts with 58 receptions for 723 yards and six touchdowns. We have heard of a WR prospect who transitioned from QB in college in the past, the most notorious case being Super Bowl champion Julian Edelman. That in and of itself should tell you the potential McCaffrey possesses.
FILM
He holds on to the football through contact and constantly fights for extra yards when tackled after the catch. He has a sneaky burst to beat defenders but doesn’t have the long speed to get away from them in the open field. I’m unsure if it’s the competition that Rice plays, but McCaffrey looked open consistently. Transitioning from quarterback to wide receiver in college gives him a better sense of defense than other receivers.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the combine, McCaffrey measured 6’ 2” and 198 lbs. He checked in with an impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.46 and a 10-yard split of 1.52. His three-cone time drill time was just below 7 seconds at 6.7. Vertical of 36” and Broad Jump of 10’1”.
This led to an overall relative size-adjusted athletic score of 9.56 out of 10, which is exceptional, ranking as the 137th out of 3090 receivers from 1987 to 2024.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Great
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Excellent
McCaffrey was selected with the 100th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders.
The Commanders ‘ receiver room lacks depth outside of proven Pro Bowl WR Terry McLaurin. Curtis Samuel’s departure didn’t help these matters either this offseason. McCaffrey will have an early opportunity to build chemistry with newly drafted second-overall pick Jayden Daniels. This landing spot is intriguing, to say the least, given McCaffrey’s current rookie draft ADP in the late third round.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
I have McCaffrey ranked as my 16th wide receiver in this class for projected future dynasty value. He has the potential to make an impact at the next level but doesn’t profile as an elite target. He would be best used in a complementary slot role on an NFL offense, which could prove fantasy-friendly in PPR formats.
McCaffrey should go off the board in rookie drafts in the late third to the early fourth round.
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