Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
- Round No. 3 | No. 100 overall
Luke McCaffrey's been a tricky evaluation up to now. If one looked specifically at the statistics, it's a minimal contribution. Further examination of the game film tells a different story.
The third-round pick has brought in 12 receptions from 13 targets for 111 receiving yards this season. That's not a great return, although one look at the wideout's separation rates from week to week indicates that more opportunities could be in the offing over the second half of 2024.
McCaffrey's route running is crisp. He's got a good feel for spatial awareness versus zone defenses and has enough explosiveness to manipulate opposing cornerbacks in man coverage situations. He's been a decoy of sorts up to now - something that could change after proving his dependability in the passing game.
- Original draft grade: B
- Midseason draft grade: B+
It's an extremely small sample size in terms of targets for McCaffrey. However, he's doing all the little things well, including blocking effectively from the perimeter on running plays. If the same trend continues, he'll eventually become a focal point of Kliff Kingsbury's offensive strategy.
Brandon Coleman - Commanders OT
- Round No. 3 | No. 67 overall
The Commanders desperately needed to find a stable left tackle capable of providing long-term assurance. General manager Adam Peters reportedly wanted to trade back into the first round for one of the more heralded prospects. He couldn't find a willing suitor, which left him searching a little lower down the pecking order for someone of interest.
Brandon Coleman was the choice at No. 67 overall. Many analysts thought he was better suited to the guard positions despite an exceptional college career manning the blindside at TCU. The Commanders saw him as an edge protector. They were correct.
Coleman split time with Cornelius Lucas, which was a masterstroke by the coaching staff. This allowed him to get comfortable gradually. When the veteran went down through injury before Week 9, the rookie got a chance to impose himself fully and thrived versus stud New York Giants edge rusher Brian Burns.
- Original draft grade: B
- Midseason draft grade: A+
This looks like a home-run hit by the Commanders. Coleman's run blocking is matched by superb pass protection. Considering he's only going to improve further with more development under offensive line coach Bobby Johnson, it seems like Peters found a franchise left tackle in the third round.