The 2024 NFL Draft is just a few days away. We take a look at Rice’s Luke McCaffrey, who brings reliability to the position with consistency, effort, concentration, and football IQ as he was a former quarterback before transitioning to wide receiver.
McCaffrey was a three-star recruit by ESPN and a three-star recruit by 247 Sports coming out of high school. He eventually committed to Nebraska before transferring to Rice in 2022.
During his five-year career, McCaffrey amassed 131 receptions, 1,732 yards (13.2 yards per catch), and 19 touchdowns. At Rice, he earned first-team All-AAC honors in 2023 and was also a team captain.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Draft scouting reports.
Luke McCaffrey, Wide Receiver, Rice
Name: Luke McCaffrey
Jersey: No. 10
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Rice
Class: Senior
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 198 lbs.
40-Yard Dash: 4.46
10-Yard Split: 1.52
Three Cone: 6.70
Hand Size: 9 5/8″
Arm: 30 1/8″
Awards: First Team All-AAC (2023), Team Captain (2023)
Games Watched: Charlotte (2023), FAU (2023), Texas (2023), Tulane (2023)
Major Injury History: Ankle (2022)
NFL Draft countdown day 9 player 24
Luke McCaffrey WR 10
6”1 198
9.40 RAS
4.46 40Only 2 years at WR and the upside is certainly there
-Great short area quickness
-Good route runner already
-19 TDs
-350 slot 140 wide snapsState of the Jungle 4.0 is in 30 @Firststarlog pic.twitter.com/maCwZNlMP7
— Logan Fulmer (@Fvlmer) April 17, 2024
Luke McCaffrey’s Strengths
McCaffrey possesses good size and athleticism for a slot receiver. Good acceleration off the line of scrimmage with control and good burst out of breaks, allowing himself to create consistent separation. Demonstrates quick and controlled footwork with balance to create sharp cuts. His ability to get in and out of breaks creates separation. After the release, he reaches his top speed quickly with good route running. Impressive in contested catch situations due to good hand-eye coordination and ball-tracking skills with an expansive catch radius to high-point the football. Showcases very good football IQ, utilizing his quarterback experience to enhance his game.
Luke McCaffrey’s Weaknesses
Lack of release repertoire to counter or release against next-level press coverage. Doesn’t have another gear to create vertically. Adequate run-blocking ability to due lack of physicality and strength. Inexperience at wide receiver could lead to some issues versus NFL corners.
Summary
Luke McCaffrey brings significant size to the slot position. Due to his extensive route tree, he’s able to target all three levels of the field (short, intermediate, and deep). He has good acceleration off the line of scrimmage with the ability to create separation at his breaks. His body control, hesitations, and patience also play a factor in creating that separation. His good bend, change of direction, and awareness help him become a smooth route runner and move upfield after the catch. With more experience and development, McCaffrey could carve out a lengthy and successful career in the slot.
Pro Comparison: Jakobi Meyers
Draft Projection: Fourth Round
Grade: Third Round
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