Terry McLaurin Is A WR The Redskins Can Build Their Offense Around

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2019 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins

Terry McLaurin, WR
School: Ohio State | Conference: BIG 10
College Experience: RS Senior | Age: 23?
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 205 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 2nd Round
NFL Comparison: Cooper Kupp

College Statistics

Player Overview

Terry McLaurin may have had the lowest yardage totals out of all the starting Ohio State receivers this year but there is a solid argument to be made that he is the most pro ready. McLaurin has flashed pro ready qualities all year from his catch ability and mechanics, to his body control, his speed and athleticism are certainly always in display, and what sets him apart from a lot of prospects is his route running ability. McLaurin put these qualities on full display at the Senior Bowl and had a lot of media folks buzzing about him. He’s been praised for his ability to quickly learn and be coached as well and his desire to lead. Urban Meyer loved him and praised his consistency and effort as well. Wide receivers are often dubbed divas but McLaurin always understood that the team comes first. In addition to his duties on offense he was an integral part of Ohio State’s punt coverage team. To put the cherry on top he really takes pride in his blocking and has worked to improve his body not only for himself but so that he can better spring his teammates when they come his way. He’s a mature young man with all the qualities and intangibles you could want in a receiver. Taking all of this into consideration it’s no wonder some think he can eventually develop into a high end WR2 in the NFL.

Strengths

• Great speed, athleticism, quickness and agility for the position. He can stretch the field vertically and blow past coverages with his acceleration.
• Sets guys up at the LOS and has really impressive footwork and technique to get past them. Once he’s past them few corners can recover. I wonder just how many more touchdowns he would have had this year if not for under thrown balls. Release is quick and smooth and his route running is a beautiful to watch.
• McLaurin is a threat outside or working over the middle. He finds or creates space in coverage and can run after the catch for big yards.
• Smooth and effortless as a pass catcher tracks the ball well in the air and shows outstanding body control he made some critical catches this year that were really difficult because he knows how to adjust.
• Has value on special teams as a gunner, praised for his leadership, and is a capable and willing blocker.

Weaknesses

• Slightly smaller than some may want as a receiver playing outside.
• With only 75 career catches there may be some questions about why McLaurin wasn’t more productive at Ohio State. Do all his strengths consistently translate on the field? Or were their simply too many mouths to feed at OSU?
• I’ve heard some imply that McLaurin’s success was due to him playing with a future first rounder. While part of that is obvious (someone has to throw the ball, preferably well) perhaps there are questions about how he will look at the next level if he has to play with an average or below average QB?

Let’s see his work:

More Terry McLaurin videos

My next #Cowboys scouting piece is up as part of my weekend 1st and 10. This time it’s #GoBucks WR @TheTerry_25 who scored this TD when I saw him vs. #Minnesota #CowboysNation @fishsports @247Sports

Story here: ▶️ https://t.co/m8gp6jW3Fg pic.twitter.com/Nj7raprPdr

— Matthew Postins (@PostinsPostcard) February 3, 2019

TERRY MCLAURIN IS FAST#TBT pic.twitter.com/aXP7u3jV2J

— Arrogant Ryan Day (@ArrogantBuckeye) January 24, 2019

To be honest, doing this makes me happier than scoring pic.twitter.com/Rqpg4cFPpV

— Terry McLaurin (@TheTerry_25) September 23, 2018

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

I’ve watched at least 6 Ohio State games this season and I knew McLaurin was underrated but after digging in and focusing solely on him rather than the OSU offense as a whole I came away even more impressed. If he wasn’t so big I would have compared him to Brandon Cooks as that’s who he really reminds me of in terms of playing style. A slightly undersized but tough receiver who can be featured in offenses and work all over the field. He has the skills to take the top off (he says he can run the 40 in 4.35) and checks all the boxes as far as technical ability. While his teammates Campbell and Hill rightfully get their shine could it be that its just because McLaurin got the mouses share in that offense? Every time I watch him I lean towards that sentiment as I think there is a solid argument that McLaurin is better than both of them overall. How could the Redskins not need a player like this? Speed, hands, athleticism, consistency, leadership and more. Hell if anyone wanted him I would suggest trading Paul Richardson and drafting McLaurin to replace him. That’s not likely to happen but McLaurin is well worth the 2nd round pick price and worth the effort to incorporate him into the offense if he proves he can play as well as the vets which shouldn’t be hard.

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