Commanders WR Terry McLaurin 'A Stud, And That’s Not A Debate'

Receiver Terry McLaurin has been a fan favorite from the day he joined the Washington Commanders roster, but is he good enough to rank the entire receiving corps at the top of the NFC East?

The Washington Commanders have a lot of hopes and dreams tied to second-year quarterback Sam Howell who’s next NFL start will be just the second of his career.

One of the reasons the Commanders have the confidence to go this route is the weapons around Howell who will help him lead the team to - hopefully - more victories than the eight they earned in 2022.

“The Commanders, like the Steelers, are a receiving corps that comes into 2023 with a lot of promise,” writes Pro Football Focus in their annual ranking of receiving groups. “Terry McLaurin is a stud, and that’s not a debate. But how much help will he get?

It’s that question that has Washington’s group ranked No. 19 overall and third in the NFC East Division behind the Philadelphia Eagles (2) and Dallas Cowboys (6).

But if the promise PFF speaks of becomes production for Howell and the Commanders then this ranking will go up significantly in next year’s version, and that starts with second-year receiver Jahan Dotson. 

“I am hopeful Jahan Dotson can be a suitable running mate as the WR2,” says PFF. “He recorded four touchdowns in his first four games before missing time due to injury. He then had graded above 75.0 in three of his last four games.”

And while Dotson certainly had to overcome his rookie year injury to show his promise for the future, fellow receiver Curtis Samuel has traveled a similar path and is looking to get a second healthy season under his belt with Washington. 

But he and Dotson aren’t the only ones PFF thinks could help out McLaurin and his quarterback to craft an effective passing attack. 

“Samuel has yet to record a receiving grade above 70.0 since signing with the Commanders, but I’m still holding out hope for his best year yet in Washington,” PFF said. “(Tight end) Logan Thomas doesn’t move the needle much, but Antonio Gibson’s receiving ability out of the backfield does.”

Thomas may not move PFF’s needle, but he’s looked very healthy entering his second year back from serious injury and with all the talk surrounding how friendly Washington’s offense will be for tight ends the popular grading sites needle might be moved in 2023 whether they expect it or not.

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