Terry McLaurin has proven to be an incredible investment for the Washington Commanders. Coming out of Ohio State with an impressive 19 total touchdowns and over 1,200 total yards he was expected to make an impact primarily on special teams for Washington. However, he quickly proved all the doubters wrong. McLaurin has become one of the most consistent and impressive players for the Washington football team, showcasing his talent as a receiver and catching passes from various quarterbacks.
McLaurin's performance on offense has garnered attention from a number of national analysts as of late. In fact, ESPN's Matt Miller and Jordan Reid ranked McLaurin as the 29th best draft steal of the past decade. By consistently outplaying NFC East cornerbacks and consistently achieving over 900 yards each season, he has firmly cemented his status as one of the league's top receivers.
The 2019 NFL draft class was stacked with talented wide receivers like DK Metcalf, A.J. Brown, and Marquise Brown, among others. However, McLaurin has stood out among his peers. Pro Football Focus ranks him second in career offensive grades and career receiving grade, surpassed only by A.J. Brown. McLaurin's efficiency and deep threat capabilities have made him a force to be reckoned with.
His DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) last year was fifth among all receivers at an impressive 20%. This was significantly higher than both A.J. Brown and Darius Slayton.
In terms of career yards and receptions, McLaurin ranks near the top among the 2019 draft class. He currently holds second place with 4,281 yards and third place in receptions with 299.
One aspect of McLaurin's game that shouldn't be overlooked is his ability to make contested catches. With 68 contested catches and a catch rate of 56.6%, he consistently proves his reliability and skill.
Last year, McLaurin received a contract extension, solidifying his place as a key player for Washington. The organization's belief in him speaks volumes about his professionalism, leadership qualities, and commitment to being the best player he can be.
Even his offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy, has nothing but praise for McLaurin. He describes him as the "ultimate professional" who sets an example with his work ethic and integrity.
McLaurin has already made history with Washington, becoming one of the franchise's best wide receivers. He is closing in on being 10th in career receiving yards among all Washington players and is the first receiver since Henry Ellard to achieve three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. If he reaches the 1,000-yard mark for a fourth straight season, he will make history once again.
As Terry McLaurin continues to shine on the field, his journey from college standout to NFL star serves as a testament to his exceptional talent and determination. It's clear that he is one of the best picks Washington has made in recent memory, and his future in the league looks incredibly promising.
