It’s time to buy in to the hype around Redskins WR Terry McLaurin

Why you should buy in to the hype

With Pro Football Focus selecting Terry McLaurin for their “Top 25 under 25” list this past month, also ranking him third in their “most valuable offseason additions” list, the analysts all across the board know the high-level play you get from No. 17 game in and game out.

Despite shaky quarterback play from both Case Keenum and Dwayne Haskins, McLaurin maintained his high level of play each week. Posting nearly 1,000 receiving yards in 14 contests in 2019, with two quarterbacks who posted putrid numbers, only strengthens the argument for why you should buy into Terry McLaurin.

McLaurin’s numbers resemble those of the elite you see in today’s game at the position. Ranking No. 1 in his rookie class in first-down catches, second in yards per target, touchdowns, and yards per reception, McLaurin’s stock is rising by the second.

His average yards per target was almost directly similar to three guys who all are difference makers at the receiver position. Guys like Keenan Allen, Odell Beckham Jr., and Julio Jones all posted similar YPT numbers, as well as similar catch percentages in their rookie campaigns.

To sweeten the pot a bit, McLaurin’s rookie season wasn’t playing alongside a top-16 quarterback in the league like the previous three had. McLaurin’s quarterback play was inconsistent at best, with the Redskins managing to be one of the 14 teams with a bad throw rate above 18 percent.

To make matters a bit worse, the Redskins ranked bottom three in almost every category on offense, with no team averaging fewer net yards per pass attempt on offense in the entire NFL.

But, even with all of the mishaps and misfortunes the Redskins offense displayed in 2019, McLaurin still made a monstrous impact, an impact that caused Pro Football Focus to grade Terry McLaurin’s rookie year as the second-best rookie season they’ve ever graded in the history of PFF.

As you take a step deeper inside the numbers with McLaurin, the more you become impressed. Per PlayerProfiler, McLaurin’s contested catch rate was among the elites, ranking No. 1 at 68.4 percent. Continuing, his QB rating when targeted was an astonishing 115.9, yet his target accuracy was ranked 85th in the NFL.

The reason that Terry McLaurin can post these numbers and have an immense impact on games despite mediocre quarterback play can be broken down in many different ways. Most notably would be the craftiness and overall attention to detail Terry has shown so early in his career.

For someone that has 4.35 speed, McLaurin is one of the best short-to-intermediate pass catchers in the game. He isn’t limited to a deep ball and a screen pass. McLaurin’s truly a three-level pass catcher that possesses elite skills in both route running and contested catch ability.

McLaurin’s subtle head movements and hip fluidity throw defenders out of sorts, and his ability to cut on a dime and accelerate out of his breaks gives you confidence he’ll only get better with more experience. The crazy thing is, he’s already arguably a top-10 wide receiver in the NFL.

With elite route-running skills, elite contested catch ability, big-play ability in both the downfield passing game and the YAC game, to even his work as a blocker, McLaurin is now a franchise cornerstone for the Washington Redskins.

The future only looks brighter for the Washington Redskins and their offense. With Dwayne Haskins continuing to improve as the season went along last year, and new head coach Ron Rivera being brought in, the Redskins have nowhere to go but up from here.

If Dwayne Haskins progresses and plays like a competent NFL quarterback next season, this team, especially Terry McLaurin, will skyrocket. That isn’t a far stretch either. With improved work habits and a stronger dedication to the craft by the now second-year quarterback, the Ohio State connection can be in full effect and in it’s highest form come 2020.

A wise man once said “get your popcorn ready!”. Terry McLaurin is for real.