The ‘New Commanders’: How Peers Rank Terry McLaurin

Where does Commanders star Terry McLaurin rank among receivers in the eyes of his NFL peers?

Washington wide receiver Terry McLaurin is beloved by Commanders fans after accomplishing three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. And amid major changes triggering optimism among that fan base - a Daniel Snyder sale will do that! - according to NFL executives, coaches, scouts and players (arguably the most-educated opinions), “Scary Terry” is worthy of being a top-10 receiver in the league.

In a poll asking about the NFL's top receivers posted by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Pro Bowler McLaurin rose the No. 9 spot, after being left off the list last season (with an honorable mention nod.) McLaurin received votes as high as the No. 3 best receiver. 

McClaurin finished last season with a career-high 1,191 yards with 77 receptions and five touchdowns, becoming only the fourth Washington player to record three-straight 1000-yard seasons. His toughness and dependability is exemplified by the challenge of catching passes by 10 different quarterbacks in his four seasons. 

Along with McLaurin in the survey are two NFC East division foes in Philadelphia Eagle A.J. Brown (No. 7) and Dallas Cowboy CeeDee Lamb (No. 10). Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson, whose 643 yards after the catch led the league, took the top spot in the poll.

Offensively in 2022, Washington ranked 24th in the NFL in points, averaging 18.9 points per game. Heading into this season the Commanders have the sixth-worst odds to make the playoffs. However, hopes are high for an improvement in 2023, largely thanks to new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. 

The Commanders last win in the postseason came in 2005. Can McLaurin continue to ascend to help Washington surprise the league to make some playoffs noise? The present optimistic vibe says, “Sure!”

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