ESPN’s WR rankings prove Terry McLaurin is nearing superstar status

The Washington Commanders signing Terry McLaurin to a three-year contract extension is the organization’s best move in recent memory; probably since they inked Jonathan Allen to a $72 million extension last summer. Bottom line is it’s been a while since the team made fans happy with its management of star players.

Want another reason to smile?

The Commanders now have McLaurin and first-round pick Jahan Dotson, the club’s top performer during OTAs and minicamp, signed through the 2025 season. Not many teams can say that about their top two WRs, that’s for sure.

By the time 2025 rolls around, the Commanders could boast two of the NFL’s top receiver talents. A question that has bugged fans since 2019, however, is where McLaurin ranks among the NFL’s elite receivers. Everyone recognizes he’s a top 20 talent, but should be crack the top 15? What about the top 10?

According to ESPN’s 2022 rankings, which polled NFL executives, coaches scouts and players, McLaurin is knocking on the door of the exclusive top 10 club.

Commanders WR Terry McLaurin is approaching superstar status.

McLaurin made the ranking as an honorable mention. The article is behind a paywall, so here’s the list of ESPN’s top 10 receivers if you aren’t subscribed.

1. Davante Adams
2. Cooper Kupp
3. Ja’Marr Chase
4. Justin Jefferson
5. Tyreek Hill
6. Stefon Diggs
7. DeAndre Hopkins
8. Mike Evans
9. Deebo Samuel
10. DK Metcalf

Here’s ESPN’s snippet on the Commanders phenom.

"Since entering the league in 2019, McLaurin has averaged 1,030 yards per season despite playing with eight different starting quarterbacks. “Very natural at the position,” an AFC offensive coach said. “I wasn’t high on him coming out, but I was wrong. He’s really fast, polished. Not necessarily twitchy, but he wins, makes contested catches.” Added an AFC scout: “I wish he had a good quarterback. So underrated.”"

You could certainly make a case that McLaurin should’ve cracked the list over Samuel or Metcalf. While McLaurin might be the superior receiver, Samuel posted a historic season in 2021 with 1,770 yards from scrimmage (1,405 receiving) and 14 touchdowns (six receiving) while leading the NFL with 18.2 yards per catch.

Metcalf, on the other hand, has nearly doubled McLaurin’s touchdown output, though McLaurin has more catches and receiving yards on his resume. If McLaurin had Russell Wilson as his quarterback, it’s fair to say he would’ve made it over Metcalf, but that obviously wasn’t considered by the voters.

At the end of the day, there’s nothing wrong with McLaurin getting an honorable mention. With expected improvement at quarterback with Carson Wentz, it’s very feasible the former Ohio State star cracks the top 10 next year. He just needs one season of putting it all together in terms of catches (100 or more), receiving yards (1,100 or more) and touchdowns (anything above seven would suffice).

While McLaurin could likely post those numbers in his sleep, his quarterback play has prevented him from reaching those heights. That doesn’t change the fact he’s on the cusp of becoming a household superstar in the NFL, however.