The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Virginia Tech wide receiver Jaylin Lane plans on taking full advantage. Lane recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Lane also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his abilities as an explosive receiver and returner, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Lane better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Jaylin Lane: We were actually at practice. The Reese’s Senior Bowl had sent the boxed invites to our facility. Our coaching staff began calling out the names one by one. I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous (laughs). We have Aeneas [Peebles], Bhayshul [Tuten], Dorian [Strong], and Da’Quan [Felton] going.
I was the last name to get called (laughs). I was a little nervous, but they ended up saying my name. The whole team gave us a round of applause. It was a pretty special moment.
JM: That must have felt incredible. What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Jaylin Lane: It’s obviously a very prestigious game. The top draft-eligible athletes around the country are going to be in attendance. I didn’t want to miss my opportunity to showcase what I can do. I’m very thankful. This is very exciting.
JM: We love that. What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Jaylin Lane: I’m excited to prove that I’m a dual-threat guy. I can get open versus man and zone coverage, whatever the case may be. I can be a difference-maker on special teams as well. I’m an all-around athlete. I’m ready to showcase my speed.
JM: I want to talk about your skill set. Self-scout yourself for us. I want you to go a little bit more in-depth.
Jaylin Lane: I’m incredibly fast and explosive. I can get open versus whichever coverage is thrown my way. I can play slot receiver or outside. I can be a huge asset on special teams as the return guy. I have some highlights in coverage on special teams as well.
JM: Do you see yourself returning kicks and punts in the NFL? You’re so explosive.
Jaylin Lane: I definitely do. I can change the game as a kickoff and punt returner. I can flip the field. I can even play gunner on special teams. I love being a special teams guy.
JM: You can play outside and the slot, as you said. Do you maybe see the slot receiver role being your main fit at the next level?
Jaylin Lane: Yeah, I can definitely see that being the case. Smaller receivers like Cooper Kupp and guys like that, they’ve changed the math a little bit at receiver. You have smaller slot guys that are shifty and use their speed to get open.
That’s how we’re creating mismatch problems nowadays. I could see myself doing that.
JM: I love that. Does Jaylin Lane have a favorite route to run?
Jaylin Lane: Probably an inside fade route (laughs). All kidding aside, I have a bunch of favorite routes. A slant versus man coverage, you can’t beat that.
JM: Would you compare yourself to any receivers in the league right now? Who do you enjoy watching and learning from?
Jaylin Lane: I always feel weird doing this. It feels a little disrespectful because those guys have proven themselves at the next level. I don’t know. I love watching Terry McLaurin right now. He’s very explosive and he knows how to get open. He has great hands, he makes great contested plays. I would love to play the game like him.
JM: McLaurin is incredible. What’s on the pre-game playlist?
Jaylin Lane: My pre-game playlist is very diverse. There’s a lot of J. Cole on there. But also there’s a lot of gospel music like Marvin Sapp. Something to calm me down before a game. It’s very diverse.
JM: This has been a lot of fun. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Jaylin Lane?
Jaylin Lane: It would mean I showcased my speed and my explosiveness. I’m excited to highlight my route running and my hands. I want the scouts to see that I can be a great player for their organization.
