Draft Analysis: Jaylin Lane

April 23, 2025 /
  • Height: 5’10”
  • Weight: 191 lbs.
  • College: Virginia Tech
  • Tape watched: Marshall, Boston College
  • NFL Comparison: Tre Tucker

Pros

  • Athleticism

Jaylin Lane dropped some freaky combine numbers in March. With the 3rd best 40-yard dash, broad jump, and vertical among receivers, Lane put an exclamation point on his quickness and explosion.

On the field, Lane showcases his sudden and quick playstyle. He is quicker than fast, where his short strides are a detriment on deep routes. He can bend the edge on lateral plays or sneak through gaps in the defense.

  • YAC

Forcing an average 12.5 missed tackles per season over his last four, Lane provides a jolt to offenses. His start-stop abilities and lateral quickness allow him to sneak by defenders if they take the wrong step. His 8.1 career YAC% is one of the highest in this class. It is important to note that his target opportunities behind and at the line of scrimmage inflated that number.

Lane is an excellent punt returner, averaging 9.8 yards per return and a touchdown last season.

Midline

  • Hands

Despite his small catch radius, Lane has average hands and few drops (5.6% career drop rate). Where he falls short is his ability to make plays in traffic. He caught only one contested target in 2024, and only two in ’23. He is moved off of the catch point and boxed out on throws over the shoulder.

Cons

  • Size

Just under an official 5’10” measured height, Lane struggles to find success downfield. His average depth of target of 7.5 yards indicates how hard it is to target him beyond the sticks. His primary slot usage keeps him free of press corners and zone shoves.

  • Usage

Jaylin Lane ran 71% of his routes under 10 yards. Receivers of this nature tend to have a short or very specific career in the NFL.

Overview

The traits are undeniable for Jaylin Lane. He has elite traits that can be utilized in the right offense and on special teams.

The reality is that the NFL will always be a big man’s game. Lane’s playstyle is suited for screens and designed quick games/run plays. He does not separate downfield. He can be lost in intermediate coverage.