Expectations for projected Commanders starting wide receivers in 2024
The Washington Commanders are a wild card for the upcoming season. They could be labeled a dark horse candidate to make some serious noise if everything goes well this summer.
They have a new rookie quarterback, an entirely new coaching staff, and an absurd amount of roster additions. Therefore, nobody can claim with absolute certainty what will happen.
With the number of changes, one thing is for sure. If the Commanders are going to make the league sit up and take notice, it is going to be because of Kliff Kingsbury's offense designed around the skillset of former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels.
If Daniels is going to succeed, it's not going to be alone. The wide receivers at his disposal must live up to their potential and make things happen in the passing game.
What exactly does Daniels need from his pass-catchers to propel the Commanders' offense into a top unit? Here are some expectations for every projected starter in Washington's wideout room in 2024.
Terry McLaurin's career-defining campaign
Terry McLaurin is one of the NFL's best wide receivers. That much is certain. The only problem is that he has yet to have a consistent quarterback presence.
Having received passes from a plethora of quarterbacks who have all struggled mightily in their careers, this may be McLaurin's first legitimate shot to show everybody what he can do.
Despite having four consecutive seasons with more than 1,000 yards, the most he has obtained to date was back in 2022. This was when he caught 77 balls for 1,191 yards and five touchdowns. These are very good numbers, but it is not hard to see why many still have the playmaker underrated.
Jayden Daniels should change all of that. He has more talent in one arm than the rest of the quarterbacks McLaurin has caught balls from put together. If he can put up numbers from the garbage pail of quarterbacks he's played with, there's no telling what the former Ohio State star can do with a potential franchise-caliber presence under center.
McLaurin's 2024 season could be his best. There's no reason he shouldn't be able to get closer to 1,400 receiving yards and have his second Pro Bowl season. Especially if other wide receivers step up and take some of the defensive focus away.