Luke McCaffrey NFL Draft Overview
Like father like son like…brother? That’s the question I asked myself when watching Rice Owl Wideout Luke McCaffrey. McCaffrey was a two-star recruit quarterback out of Littleton, Colorado, committed to Nebraska. Unfortunately, it was a disaster at Nebraska, full of turnovers and inconsistent play. He then transferred to Rice as a converted Wideout and a star was born. In his first year as a wide receiver, he amassed 58 catches, 723 yards, and six touchdowns. He followed up his impressive year with an even better year. He amazed me with 71 catches for 992 yards and 13 touchdowns. McCaffrey showed significant improvement in separation ability and hands. Will it translate to the NFL? Let’s dig into the film!
Position: Wide Receiver
Age: 22 years old
Height: 6’1 (Unofficial)
Weight: 202 lbs (Unofficial)
School: Rice Owls
Luke McCaffrey Player Evaluation
McCaffrey‘s Strengths
- Excellent route runner and has quick feet, especially in the slot. He used a lot on the outside as well.
- He has enough speed to be a versatile inside and outside Wide Receiver at the NFL Level.
- Sets up defenders with head fakes and savvy techniques.
- Has a good catch radius and good hands. An underrated part of his game is the ability to make contested catches.
- Has extreme toughness. He makes multiple catches over the middle with no regard for his body.
- Good yards after the catch threat. Can make defenders miss in space.
- He does not mind lowering their shoulder to move the chains. Shows great acceleration after the catch.
- Has a knack for the end zone for a WR new to the position. Was doubled still produced
- Immediate slot starter with a high upside and football intelligence.
- The good bloodline history of big-time NFL playmakers and being a former quarterback helps in this area.
McCaffrey’s Weakness
- He does not have Elite NFL Speed to separate at the top of the route consistently.
- Multiple times best defender but ends up in a contested catch. Is it speed or poor QB play?
- Route Running playing outside needs more refinement.
- He needs to improve play strength vs press, which would take his game to another level.
Projection: Third Round Pick
NFL Comparison: Romeo Doubs
Best Fits: San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, and the New York Jets.
Bottom Line
Luke McCaffrey is the real deal, Holyfield man. He’s not just Ed McCaffrey’s son or Christian McCaffrey’s brother. He is a legitimate future NFL stud at wide receiver. McCaffrey projects as a highly impactful day-one slot Wide Receiver with an upside to graduate outside. He has excellent size for the slot, with great quickness and route running to keep defenders off-balance. The former Owl has a precise head fake and body control to trick defenders and get open vs man or zone. My NFL pro comparison Was Green Bay Packers Romeo Doubs. Doubs has been an impactful Wide Receiver and has operated in the slot and outside like I project Luke to do. I have a low second-round grade, which is higher than most people’s. However, I genuinely believe McCaffrey will be a high-quality NFL starter for years to come.
Main Photo: [Tim Heitman] – USA Today Sports
