2024 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice

Player Data
Name, Jersey # | Luke McCaffrey, #10 |
School (Code) | TXRI |
DOB, Class Yr | 04/02/2001, 4th year JR |
Height, Weight | 6016, 198 |
40 Yd Dash | 4.48 |
Position/Depth | WR/QB |
Honors/Captainship | C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll 2022/2023, Academic All Big Ten 2020 |
Season Viewed (yr) | 2022 |
Games Watched | 10/01/2022 UAB @ Rice09/17/2022 UL @ Rice09/03/2022 Rice@ USC |
Scout Name / Date | Brinson Bagley, 07/24/2023 |
Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)
2022 | TXRI- (WR), 11 GP, 58 Rec, 723 Yds, 6 TDs |
2021 | TXRI- (QB), 9 GP, 62 Att, 31 Comp, 313 Yds, 2 TDs, 4 INTs |
2020 | NEUN- (QB), 7 GP, 76 Att, 48 Comp, 466 Yds, 1 TD, 6 INTs |
2019 | NEUN- (QB), 4 GP, 12 Att, 9 Comp, 142 Yds, 2 TDs |
Player Summary:
Fourth year JR at Rice who was a transfer from Nebraska in 2021. Now, primarily used as a flanker to find and sit in uncovers, and sift through mismatches. He often lines up in off coverage, but can line up anywhere in a formation. He also moonlights in short stints at QB where he has completed 88 of 150 passes for over 900 yards and just under 59% passing, and rushing where he has 810 yards on 142 carries for just under 6 ypc, adding to his versatility. He possesses a thin, wiry frame that needs some bulk to fill his build.
He has good straight line speed, and keeps his balance on breaks, and has the ability to accelerate and cut using a quick twitch on advanced routes. He has high awareness and intelligence against zones targeting weaknesses, and has the toughness to take a hit and hold on to the ball in traffic. He will struggle in man coverage as his lack of functional strength impedes his ability to fight off press coverage and keep his route integrity from the stem. This weakness also carries to his lack of ability to effectively maintain a playside block. He possesses good functional speed and will generate YAC in crowded areas and adds an extra couple of yards after contact. He generates space easily in off coverage, halting a defender that wants to jump the route with his quick and sharp cuts. He has dependable hands that will catch if thrown to his chest or short surrounding radius, he is not going to win many jump balls with his vertical, or come down with many catches that require body turning adjustments. While he has a quick release in off coverage, he’s shown to have a slow first step. He is a fearless player that is willing to take punishment to move the chains, light footed, and mentally adaptable enough to maneuver crossers.
Scheme Fit:
He will thrive as a slot or 4th receiver, filling a Wes Welker/Cole Beasley role attacking the middle and crossers, lining up off the line of scrimmage and in bunch type formations.
Power Statement:
Luke has a lot of potential and room for growth with his ideal frame that can fill out. His mental awareness, functional speed, and toughness will be the foundation of his game.
Content Creator & Senior Writer for NFL Draft Diamonds. Independent Scouting Consultant.