Full NFL Draft 2024 Rounds 2 and 3 picks: Live updates, expert analysis and grades

The Washington Commanders selected Rice wide receiver Luke McCaffrey with the 100th pick.

The Athletic NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler on McCaffrey: A two-year starter at Rice, McCaffrey played the F wide receiver role in offensive coordinator Marques Tuiasosopo’s pro-style spread, working primarily from the slot (71.2 percent of his snaps the last two seasons). A former highly ranked quarterback recruit, he reinvented himself as a wide receiver after transferring to Rice and was one of just six FBS receivers with at least 70 catches and 13 touchdowns in 2023 (caught a touchdown in 11 of 13 games).

As one might expect given his bloodlines, McCaffrey is a detailed athlete by nature, and his experience at quarterback helped smooth his transition with the timing and execution of his routes (4.02-second short shuttle and 6.70 three-cone both ranked top three among all participants at the 2024 combine). His tape shows a pass catcher with outstanding focus through contact, although that is a double-edged sword, because he doesn’t create a ton of separation or clean windows for his quarterback.

Overall, McCaffrey doesn’t always uncover as easily as his testing numbers might suggest, but he is smart and controlled in his route movements with the tough-minded ball skills to be a steady possession target. His ability to carve out a role on special teams could be the key to him earning a roster spot as a rookie.