ASHBURN, VA - JUNE 10: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team catches a pass during mandatory minicamp at Inova Sports Performance Center on June 10, 2021 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
In a city where instability has become the norm, one standout has still managed to shine. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin has established himself as a top-tier player, despite the Washington Commanders’ rotating cast of quarterbacks holding him back since becoming a pro.
Now entering his fifth season, the 27-year-old McLaurin has recorded 1,000-yard campaigns in each of the last three years after putting up 919 yards in 14 games during his rookie season. He joined Art Monk, Gary Clark, and Henry Ellard last year as the only receivers in franchise history to have three straight 1,000-yard seasons. McLaurin finished the 2022 season with 77 receptions for 1191 yards and five touchdowns.
In a recent ESPN+ article, “Execs, coaches, and scouts” ranked the NFL’s top 10 wide receivers for 2023…they had Terry McLaurin 9th on their list.
Considering McLaurin has played with a different Week 1 starting quarterback every season since leaving college, his consistency speaks volumes about his talent. His route running, contested catch ability, and extraordinary toughness have not gone unnoticed. As one NFC scout put it, “He wants the ball when it matters most.”
Among ESPN’s top 10 ranked receivers, McLaurin finished 9th in this recent WR rankings by ESPN+, ahead of Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb but behind Justin Jefferson, Devonte Adams, Ja’Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, Cooper Kupp, Stefon Diggs, A.J. Brown, and DK Metcalf in the order. Terry’s 6.8% catch rate over expectation (CROE) trailed only Diggs and Kupp. Despite a lack of stability under center, the former Ohio State star continues to produce like an elite receiver.
McLaurin may not dominate like Adams or Jefferson, but his quiet consistency and never-give-up attitude can take over games. As one defensive coordinator noted: “You look up mid-game, and he’s got eight catches for 93 yards – even with poor quarterback play.”
If Washington can finally solidify its quarterback position with Sam Howell in 2023, ‘Scary Terry’ could easily jump into the top-five conversation.
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