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

Luke McCaffrey is a WR at Rice who converted from QB in 2022. He has the sheer athleticism and football IQ to raise scout's eyes as he continues to progress this season. Hula Bowl scout Brinson Bagley breaks down McCaffrey as an NFL Prospect in his report.
Luke McCaffrey is a WR at Rice who converted from QB in 2022. He has the sheer athleticism and football IQ to raise scout’s eyes as he continues to progress this season. Hula Bowl scout Brinson Bagley breaks down McCaffrey as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #Luke McCaffrey, #10
School (Code)TXRI
DOB, Class Yr04/02/2001, 4th year JR
Height, Weight6016, 198
40 Yd Dash4.48
Position/DepthWR/QB
Honors/CaptainshipC-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll 2022/2023, Academic All Big Ten 2020
Season Viewed (yr)2022
Games Watched10/01/2022 UAB @ Rice09/17/2022 UL @ Rice09/03/2022 Rice@ USC
Scout Name / DateBrinson Bagley, 07/24/2023

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022TXRI- (WR), 11 GP, 58 Rec, 723 Yds, 6 TDs
2021TXRI- (QB), 9 GP, 62 Att, 31 Comp, 313 Yds, 2 TDs, 4 INTs
2020NEUN- (QB), 7 GP, 76 Att, 48 Comp, 466 Yds, 1 TD, 6 INTs
2019NEUN- (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.

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