Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey on the verge of a breakout

Wide receiver Luke McCaffrey was one of the more unheralded members of the Washington Commanders’ 2024 NFL draft. The final pick of the third round in April’s draft was overshadowed by quarterback Jayden Daniels, cornerback Mike Sainristil and others.

McCaffrey is accustomed to being overshadowed. The son of former NFL wide receiver Ed and the younger brother of 49ers running back Christian, Luke McCaffrey played quarterback at Nebraska and Rice before transitioning to wide receiver for his final two collegiate seasons.

McCaffrey quickly developed into a legitimate wide receiver prospect, catching 71 passes for 992 yards and 13 touchdowns. This offseason, McCaffrey, along with Daniels, were often the first players to arrive at the Commanders’ Ashburn headquarters for offseason workouts, impressing teammates and coaches.

McCaffrey was quiet in the preseason, but former NFL scout and Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy called McCaffrey “this year’s Puka Nacua.”

Through five games, McCaffrey has yet to make that type of impact, but he does have 10 receptions for 98 yards and has been open often in each of Washington’s games, which could mean a breakout is coming.

McCaffrey routinely ranks among the NFL’s best in creating separation each week, which is impressive considering he’s a rookie with only two years of experience as a wide receiver.

While we await McCaffrey’s breakout regarding numbers, he’s making an impact. He’s one of several players who have embraced Washington’s team-first mindset.

Check out McCaffey on this block:

If you think this was a one-off, think again. There are plays like this all over McCaffrey’s film this season.

When you go back and watch Washington’s Week 5 win over Cleveland, you’ll see plenty of McCaffrey being open. Daniels has already found McCaffrey during some clutch moments through five weeks. Once the two are completely on the same page — and that time will come — McCaffrey will reward general manager Adam Peters’ faith in him and become the Commanders’ unquestioned No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin.