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It’s 5 o’clock somewhere…
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Here’s part of an interview Jaylin Lane did with the Draft Network ahead of the Senior Bowl back in January:
What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Jaylin Lane: It’s obviously a very prestigious game. The top draft-eligible athletes around the country are going to be in attendance. I didn’t want to miss my opportunity to showcase what I can do. I’m very thankful. This is very exciting.
I’m excited to prove that I’m a dual-threat guy. I can get open versus man and zone coverage, whatever the case may be. I can be a difference-maker on special teams as well. I’m an all-around athlete. I’m ready to showcase my speed.
I’m incredibly fast and explosive. I can get open versus whichever coverage is thrown my way. I can play slot receiver or outside. I can be a huge asset on special teams as the return guy. I have some highlights in coverage on special teams as well.
JM: Do you see yourself returning kicks and punts in the NFL? You’re so explosive.
Jaylin Lane: I definitely do. I can change the game as a kickoff and punt returner. I can flip the field. I can even play gunner on special teams. I love being a special teams guy.
JM: You can play outside and the slot, as you said. Do you maybe see the slot receiver role being your main fit at the next level?
Jaylin Lane: Yeah, I can definitely see that being the case. Smaller receivers like Cooper Kupp and guys like that, they’ve changed the math a little bit at receiver. You have smaller slot guys that are shifty and use their speed to get open.
That’s how we’re creating mismatch problems nowadays. I could see myself doing that.
JM: Would you compare yourself to any receivers in the league right now? Who do you enjoy watching and learning from?
Jaylin Lane: I always feel weird doing this. It feels a little disrespectful because those guys have proven themselves at the next level. I don’t know. I love watching Terry McLaurin right now. He’s very explosive and he knows how to get open. He has great hands, he makes great contested plays. I would love to play the game like him.
I find that final comment about Lane modeling his game on Terry McLaurin especially intriguing. Remember that this is a January interview, so Lane did not know that he would be McLaurin’s teammate in 2025.
He certainly shares some...
