Rice wide receiver Luke McCaffrey put forth a solid showing at this year's Senior Bowl. After previously playing at Nebraska, McCaffrey enjoyed a breakout season for the Owls, posting career-highs in receptions (71), receiving yards (992), and touchdowns (13). McCaffrey is a big-bodied, tough receiver with the short-area quickness and acceleration necessary to become a reliable slot receiver in the NFL.
McCaffrey consistently made plays throughout individual and team periods in Mobile, stringing together multiple standout practices. McCaffrey's inside-outside versatility, paired with his effort and size as a blocker, could quickly get him on the field. With that reliability in mind, we've identified three potential team fits for McCaffrey in the 2024 NFL Draft.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
The 49ers have to at least consider it, right? The son of Ed McCaffrey and younger brother of Christian McCaffrey, Luke McCaffrey would relish an opportunity to play alongside his Offensive Player of the Year brother in San Francisco. Besides the emotional sentiments, McCaffrey would be a great fit in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.
General manager John Lynch will be searching for some high-upside receivers to pair with Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. The cash-strapped 49ers are unlikely to re-sign Jauan Jennings, who should demand more money and opportunity elsewhere. Ray-Ray McCloud III and Chris Conley are also scheduled for unrestricted free agency. Shanahan appreciates a versatile receiver who can block and operate out of multiple personnel groupings. Together with Lynch, he'll be tasked with identifying those types in the 2024 NFL Draft. They’ll find one in McCaffrey.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Rams general manager Les Snead struck gold with Puka Nacua in last year's draft. Cooper Kupp is also under contract through the 2026 season. Head coach Sean McVay should be looking to add depth receivers behind the elite one-two punch he already has at his disposal.
Demarcus Robinson, who played on an expiring contract, was effective down the stretch. Tutu Atwell and Ben Skowronek are scheduled to enter fate-deciding seasons in 2024 and could be nearing the end of their tenure with the Rams. McCaffrey possesses a ton of translatable traits to McVay's zone-based offense. Los Angeles would appreciate his versatility as a blocker who can help create rushing lanes for Kyren Williams on the edge.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
McCaffrey would be an excellent complement to Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Jordan Addison in Minnesota. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell runs an effective variation of the West Coast offense that has reemerged in various corners of the league since Shanahan and McVay’s ascension took the league by storm.
I expect the likes of K.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell to depart the Vikings this offseason. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah must restock the cupboard through shrewd mid-round selections as the Vikings prepare to take a run at the NFC North division title next season. McCaffrey could thrive in a complimentary role while playing behind Minnesota’s superstar pass-catchers.