The Philadelphia Eagles must game plan for two of Washington’s future stars, including 2020’s second-overall selection.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin didn’t have a distinguished college career at Ohio State. As a Buckeye, he hauled in 75 receptions for 1,251 yards and 19 touchdowns, but that was over four years’ time. Most of his production came as a senior when he caught 35 passes for 701 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Washington saw the potential and understood great players get buried on the depth chart at Ohio State, so they drafted him in the third round of 2019’s selection meeting. In the end, the decision paid off as McLaurin became this team’s most productive wide receiver last season.
He finished the 2019 campaign with 58 receptions for 919 yards and seven touchdowns. The expectation is he’ll take another step forward in his development in his second year, and if that’s the case, he should be even better and eclipse the 1,000-yard receiving mark. Philly represents his very first real test in 2020.
Washington’s defensive line sports an embarrassment of riches. They had one of the most dominant units in 2019, but they’ve managed to upgrade as they drafted defensive end Chase Young with the second overall selection of this year’s selection meeting. This young man is a sure thing that can terrorize the ‘Birds’ for years to come.
Throughout his last two seasons with the Buckeyes, Young registered 27 sacks and 57 solo tackles. 35.5 of those resulted in a loss of yardage. He pretty much had his way with everyone as he proved over and over again that he was the best defender in college.
Joining what the Redskins already have up front means offensive coordinators and offensive line coaches all over the NFL are going to have sleepless nights. If the Eagles don’t want him to have a monster debut, they must account for him every single time he’s on the field. He’s a big play waiting to happen.