The Washington Commanders signed four members of their 2024 draft class -- wide receiver Luke McCaffrey, linebacker Jordan Magee, safety Dominique Hampton and defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste -- to rookie deals today.
McCaffrey was the most dominant receiver in the AAC last year, leading the conference in touchdown catches. Although his time at Rice was short, he made his mark on the program. His 19 touchdowns rank third all-time in school history, while his 1,686 yards rank eighth.
A former quarterback, McCaffrey has only played receiver for two seasons but has fit in well at the position. He ran a 4.46 at the combine, using his acceleration to create separation from defenders in the slot. He knows how to make catches in traffic and has a knack for making one-handed snags in the middle of the field.
Yet another college team captain joins the Burgundy & Gold's ranks. Magee (6-foot-1, 228 pounds) got a lot of good experience while at Temple, rising as a starter in 2021. However, he took his game to a new level in 2022 and 2023. That junior season, he lead the Owls with 86 tackles in 12 games. Then, in his final campaign, he not only led the team with 80 tackles and 14 TFLs but tied the team lead with 3.5 sacks.
Hampton (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) spent six seasons with the Huskies and was a major contributor for five. He had to wait until 2022 to be a full-time starter, but he made the most of his opportunities with 151 tackles and 11 pass breakups. He was an Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 selection in 2023.
A former track star at Centennial High School, Hampton is starting to hit his stride as a run-stopping defensive back. His 109 tackles led the team and ranked fifth in the Pac-12. He was one of the Huskies' best defenders in the College Football Playoff National Championship against Michigan, recording 10 stops and one pass-breakup.
Jean-Baptiste (6-foot-5, 239 pounds) was a consistent contributor at Ohio State for four seasons before moving to Notre Dame for his final collegiate campaign. During 2023, the defensive end started 12 out of 13 games and led the team in both tackles for loss (10.5) and sacks (5).
