The football DNA is strong in the McCaffrey household. The son of Ed McCaffrey and the brother of the aforementioned Niners Pro Bowl RB, Luke is an excellent athlete. Running a 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 36-inch vertical, the youngest McCaffrey brother brings pro athleticism to the table.
After bouncing around colleges attempting to be a quarterback, McCaffrey turned to his father’s position, receiver, for his final two years at Rice. He led Rice in receptions (58) and all-purpose yards (903 yards) in 2022. In 2023, McCaffrey improved, generating 71 catches for 992 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was named first-team All-AAC, leading the conference in receiving TDs.
McCaffrey showed good acceleration and stellar hands for having played receiver for only two years. Given that he’s just growing into the position at a high level, he has room to develop.
The 23-year-old sports good height at 6-feet-2 and has room to bulk up but lacks ideal length, limiting his go-get-it ability. Playing primarily out of the slot at Rice, McCaffrey can be a possession target who will fight for the ball.
The negative aspects of his game, including needing to get in and out of breaks more swiftly, come from being a greenhorn at the position. He displayed improvement as a route runner as he gained experience, which should only improve.
A detailed worker with NFL bloodlines, McCaffrey has plenty of upside if he continues on his current trajectory.