Redskins Select Receiver Terry McLaurin in Round 3
April 26, 2019
UPDATED April 27, 2019 10:20 am
by Steve Thomas
The Washington Redskins drafted wide receiver Terry McLaurin from Ohio St. with the 13th pick in round three of the 2019 NFL draft. The team then traded the 33rd pick in round 3 (the compensatory pick earned as a result of Kirk Cousins’ departure) to the Buffalo Bills, receiving the 10th and 29th pick in round 4 in return. The Redskins previously did not hold a fourth round pick.
McLaurin, who stands 6’0” and weighs 208 pounds, spent four years at Ohio St. and started alongside new Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins in 2018. During that time, McLaurin played a total of 44 games, making 75 receptions for 1,251 yards, 167 yards per catch, and 19 touchdowns. In 2018, McLaurin had 35 receptions, 701 yards, 20.0 yards per catch, and had 11 touchdowns. McLaurin is a burner, running the 40 yard dash in 4.354 seconds at the NFL Combine (3rd-best among receivers and 5th-best overall). He also jumped 37.5 inches in the vertical leap and 10’5” inches in the standing broad jump, ran the 3 cone drill in 7.01 seconds, and the 20 yard short shuttle in 4.15 seconds.
McLaurin instantly becomes the Redskins’ fastest wide receiver, although he is known more for his long speed than agility and acceleration. His best skill is his route running ability, which is a trait Redskins coach Jay Gruden typically values. Some analysts view his hands and ball skills as suspect, so that will be an issue to keep an eye on during training camp and beyond. Based on his college experience, McLaurin would seem at first glance to project out best as a slot receiver in the NFL and compete with last year’s Mr. Irrelevant, Trey Quinn, to replace the departed Jamison Crowder. Gruden specifically stated otherwise, however, providing that “I’d probably start with him outside right now. I think he is a very smart and intelligent player and works extremely hard, so he is going to be a guy that learns all three and be able to move around and provide us with depth at every position . . . .” Regardless, the chemistry that he and Haskins already share is a big plus for his chances to succeed with the Redskins.
As an added bonus, McLaurin was an elite special teams performer in college, so look for Washington to utilize him in that role as well. In fact, Gruden specifically mentioned as much, providing that “[h]e’s actually our special teams number one player on the board as far as what he does in that unit – covering kicks, flyer on punt.”
When asked to describe himself as a receiver, McLaurin stated, “I see myself as that deep ball receiver to be able to take that top off of any defense. I see myself just being able to make plays wherever the coaches see that I fit and I’m just looking forward to that opportunity, wherever the coaches see me fitting into that offense I’m going to do that to the best of my ability. But, first and foremost I see myself as that big play hitter.”
The selections of Haskins and McLaurin marks the fourth time in franchise history that the Redskins have drafted teammates from Ohio St. The Redskins drafted Buckeye teammates halfback Vic Janowicz and tackle Julius Wittman in 1952, guard Mike Ingram and tackle George Tolford in 1961, and halfback Dave Francis and guard Rod Foster in 1963. It is also the third year in a row that Washington has drafted teammates, following defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and linebacker Ryan Anderson (Alabama, 2017), defensive lineman Daron Payne and linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (Alabama, 2018), and defensive lineman Tim Settle and corner Greg Stroman (Virginia Tech, 2018). Additionally, the Redskins have now drafted a receiver in ten consecutive drafts.
Will the additions of Haskins, edge rusher Montez Sweat, and McLaurin, Washington has done a good job addressing three major team needs; however, the team still has a glaring hole at the starting left guard spot, which they strangely have refused to address for the second year in a row, as well as a need for a starter at free safety opposite newcomer Landon Collins to address in day 3. After the trade will Buffalo, the team holds the two picks acquired from Buffalo in round four, the 15th and 35th picks in round 5, the 34th pick in round 6, and picks 13 and 39 in round 7. The draft begins again Saturday at noon ET.