The foundational players of the Washington Football Team

1. Terry McLaurin

Terry McLaurin just edges out Chase Young as the “most valuable” player for Washington. As previously stated, put Young in this spot if that is what you think is best. There will be no argument from myself. The only thing that is for certain is McLaurin and Young are the two non-negotiables that must be on this list.

McLaurin just edges out Young for the top spot on this list due to the talent gap with their positions. Take Young out of the defensive line, they certainly are not as good but they would manage. Take McLaurin out of the receiver unit? That changes the offense entirely.

Despite the welcomed additions of Curtis Samuel, Dyami Brown, and Adam Humphries, none are true alpha wide receivers yet. Samuel and Brown both have untapped potential. However, both are better served as secondary weapons to an offense rather than the main one.

That job is left for McLaurin. McLaurin is a bonafide alpha, X-receiver in the NFL. He is a smooth route runner with quick breaks on his cuts, is lethal after the catch, has the speed to beat the defense over the top, and brings down many catches in traffic.

There really is not much that McLaurin can’t do. The only real perceived weakness of McLaurin is improving at his releases against man-coverage. That is something McLaurin has stated he worked on this offseason. So far in camp, that area of his game looks to be better. It remains to be seen how much until the real games happen.

The former third-round pick has taken the league by storm as a do-it-all number one receiver. All he needed was better weapons around him and better QB play. He should be getting both of those this year.

And one more thing. As PFF denotes, Ryan Fitzpatrick is not afraid to throw it to his number-one receiver. Terry McLaurin is set up to have a career year this year. And without him, the Washington Football Team offense would look vastly different.

Agree with the three players I listed? Or do you think some players were wrongfully ranked or left out? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!