Joshua Jaylin Lane (born May 1, 2002) is an American professional football wide receiver and punt returner for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and Virginia Tech Hokies. Lane was selected by the Commanders in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft.

Early life

Lane was born on May 1, 2002, in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. As a senior at Clover High School, he had 76 receptions for 1,611 yards and 30 touchdowns. Lane played under his father, Brian, who served as head coach. He committed to Middle Tennessee State University to play college football.

College career

Lane played 54 games of college football as a wide receiver and return specialist. He played for the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State University from 2020 to 2022, recording 124 receptions for 1,528 yards and 10 touchdowns. He transferred to play for the Hokies of Virginia Tech in 2023, playing in 24 games over two seasons and recording 79 receptions for 1,004 yards and eight touchdowns.

College statistics
YearTeamGReceivingKick returnsPunt returns
RecYdsAvgTDRetYdsAvgTDRetYdsAvgTD
2020Middle Tennessee7131229.411327421.111010.0
2021Middle Tennessee124246611.141328521.91929515.51
2022Middle Tennessee116994013.651125423.1181528.4
2023Virginia Tech124153813.1611818.05316.2
2024Virginia Tech123846612.3212121.02424510.21
Career542032,53212.5183985210.96773310.92

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span40-yard dash10-yard split20-yard split20-yard shuttleThree-cone drillVertical jumpBroad jumpBench press
5 ft 9+3⁄4 in (1.77 m)191 lb (87 kg)31+3⁄4 in (0.81 m)9+7⁄8 in (0.25 m)4.34 s1.50 s2.52 s4.12 s6.75 s40.0 in (1.02 m)11 ft 0 in (3.35 m)14 reps
All values from NFL Combine
Lane with the ball in a game against the Green Bay Packers, 2025

Lane was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fourth round (128th overall) of the 2025 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 9, 2025. Lane earned Rookie of the Week honors for week 3 after scoring his first career touchdown on a 90-yard punt return against the Las Vegas Raiders, tying the franchise record set by Jacquez Green's 90-yard punt return in Week 2 of the 2003 season. In the Week 15 win over the New York Giants, he recorded his second career touchdown on a 63-yard punt return. Lane made 15 appearances (four starts) for Washington during his rookie campaign, recording 16 receptions for 225 scoreless yards. On December 22, the Commanders placed Lane on season-ending injured reserve due to an ankle injury suffered in Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

NFL career statistics

Legend
Led the league
BoldCareer high

Regular season

YearTeamGamesReceivingPunt returnsFumbles
GPGSRecYdsAvgLngTDRetYdsAvgLngTDFumLost
2025WAS1541622514.14102331413.790231
Career1541622514.14102331413.790231

External links

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  • Career statistics from