Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice
Size:
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 198 pounds
Arm Length: 30 1/8"
Hand Size: 9 5/8"
Accomplishments:
First Team All-AAC (2023) • Team Captain (2023)
“Luke McCaffrey has a clear path to being a productive slot receiver early in his career. He also has upside as an outside receiver as he continues to craft his route-running.”
Strengths:
Contested catches
Catch radius
IQ
Concerns:
Speed vertically
Route-running
Film Analysis:
Luke McCaffrey, the son of Ed McCaffrey and brother of Christian McCaffrey, finished off his collegiate career at Rice as one of the best receivers in the AAC after starting his collegiate career as a quarterback. McCaffrey's experience at quarterback shows through his play in how he profiles as a high-IQ, tough player who also has short-area quickness and acceleration to become a reliable slot receiver in the NFL.
From the slot position, McCaffrey appears to be a well-rounded player. McCaffrey understands how to uncover quickly and make himself available for the quarterback. McCaffrey is a consistent threat as a vertical seam runner, understanding how to get separation from man while also finding the hole in between the second-level and third-level defenders. McCaffrey also profiles as a tough player as he can consistently make catches across the middle of the field. High-traffic areas don't appear to bother McCaffrey and he can also hold onto the ball after collisions. McCaffrey also has value as a run-after-the-catch option, showing good straight-line acceleration and the ability to run through arm tackles at times.
From the traditional X or Z alignment on the outside, McCaffrey does a good job of pressing vertical and tracking the ball. McCaffrey does a good job of locating the deep ball and has great concentration to bring the ball in and make difficult catches consistently.
The area of question for McCaffrey is his ability to separate and sustain that separation vertically. McCaffrey does a good job of stacking defensive backs quickly, but most of his vertical catches are contented because defenders can stay in phase with him.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific Contributor
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: Texas (2023), Houston (2023), Tulane (2023)
