Jay Gruden: 'Terry McLaurin has been outstanding in all phases'
The Washington Redskins have a versatile rookie coming in that they hope can make an immediate impact. I'm not talking about quarterback Dwayne Haskins or pass-rusher Montez Sweat, I'm talking about wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
While many still think that the Redskins liked McLaurin for his already-established rapport with Haskins, he's actually a player who should have a very successful NFL career no matter the quarterback. It's not because he's an incredible pass-catcher or because he runs a fast 40-yard-dash time, it's because he's willing to do anything on offense, and he's pretty good at all of it.
After the first mandatory minicamp practice on Tuesday, head coach Jay Gruden told reporters that McLaurin came just as advertised, and is accomplishing whatever task he is assigned in practice.
"Terry is doing an excellent job, said Gruden. "He can do everything. He can block, he can run the vertical routes, he can run the short, intermediate routes, ran an unbelievable double-move today. I've just been very impressed with the total package of Terry, not just his speed — but his toughness, his attention to detail, his ability to finish plays, his ability to block, line up correctly, he's just been outstanding in all phases."
This is exactly why the Redskins wanted McLaurin. There's not many receivers who are happy to do anything on the field other than catch balls.
"He's kind of a Swiss Army knife we call it because he has the skillset to fit in to each position at wideout," Redskins Director of College Scouting Kyle Smith said. "As an X, the guy can roll. I mean, he ran a 4.3 40, he can take the top of off coverage, as a slot receiver, he's got route ability, he's got instincts and toughness. As a Z, he is a point of attack guy because he blocks his butt off and then as you mentioned, the special teams value of this guy is off the charts and then another high, high character guy, one of the best character guys that we did."
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