A duo that connected for 35 receptions, 701 yards, and 11 touchdowns will be continuing their combination in the NFL.
The Washington Redskins, after selecting Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday, took former Buckeye wide receiver Terry McLaurin with the 76th overall pick in the third round on Friday.
When Terry got the call... watch until the end
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) April 27, 2019
Congrats @TheTerry_25!!#HTTR #GoBucks #NFLDraft #DevelopedHere pic.twitter.com/JvNwxaLpjS
Haskins opined before he was selected that he would like one of his receivers from Ohio State to join him in the nation's capital, and he was rewarded with McLaurin.
In addition to his skills at receiver, McLaurin will bring a lot to the table for the Redskins. He is an elite special teams player (Redskins coach Jay Gruden called him the No. 1 special teams player on their draft board) and will bring leadership and toughness to both the receiver and special teams rooms.
The Redskins are not terribly deep at receiver (their top weapons currently are Josh Doctson and Paul Richardson), so McLaurin could have an immediate opportunity for playing time.
His rapport should Haskins will certainly help his chances to get on the field early, as the relationship they have built already will do wonders.
Redskins fans seem to be thrilled by the selections of Haskins and McLaurin, as was head coach Jay Gruden, who had some great things to say about Haskins and McLaurin (and their combination together) after selecting McLaurin on Friday.
Obviously, Dwayne has a lot of confidence in him, and he has a lot of confidence in Dwayne. Its a good, natural fit. Jay Gruden on drafting Ohio State WR Terry McLaurin, a day after taking Buckeyes QB Dwayne Haskins. #Redskins pic.twitter.com/vzQtwGnsKF
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) April 27, 2019
Ohio State fans saw the connection seemingly every week last season, as Haskins threw 11 touchdown passes to McLaurin. While Parris Campbell seemed to make the most highlight-reel plays, and K.J. Hill was Mr. Reliable over the middle, McLaurin seemed to provide a healthy mix of both: he would make both highlight plays while also being reliable and steady. Of course, his impact was felt on special teams as well.
Now, the duo will head to Washington, where the Redskins offense sputtered at times last year. Alex Smith's football career is likely over due to a gruesome leg injury. The receiving corps also looks a lot different with the departures of Jamison Crowder and Maurice Harris.
"Touchdown Terry" had a lot to say after being drafted by the Redskins, but in particular, had some great things to say about the reunion with Haskins saying on a call with Redskins brass: "He throws everything well, and I'm going to catch everything, coach."
Haskins to McLaurin for years to come. #HTTR pic.twitter.com/fx3TviQQRl
— Zac (@DCzWall) April 27, 2019
Frightening sight, isn't it? The Redskins haven't really had an elite quarterback in years, unless you consider RGIII's rookie season as elite, and Haskins will likely slide into the starting role immediately with McLaurin by his side.
Ohio State certainly has to be applauded for the development of these two players, as well. Haskins rose from backup quarterback to first-round draft choice after just one year as a starter, in which he broke virtually all of Ohio State's single-season passing records en route to winning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.
McLaurin also made a big jump in his senior year, parlayed that into a fantastic showing at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine, and parlayed that into a third-round selection. Had you told many people around the Ohio State program one year ago that McLaurin would be selected in the third round in the 2019 NFL Draft, some would likely not have agreed with you.
Great pickups come in the middle rounds, however, and that is certainly what the Redskins are hoping for with McLaurin. They know they will be getting a leader and a special teams ace, and believe that with time, the receiver skills will come with it.
Gruden on McLaurin: He was the #1 special teams player on our board, but its really about what he is as a receiver.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) April 27, 2019
Jay says hell start outside, but hes gonna learn all three positions. Says he provides some real juice.
Even if the receiver skills take a bit longer to develop, the special teams play and leadership is certainly worth a mid-round pick. Haskins knows what he is getting in McLaurin, and it seems that the Redskins understand what overall skills he can bring to the table.
The quarterback and his receiver: a duo that goes together like peanut butter and jelly or chili and spaghetti. Once you find a deadly combo, you do not break it up. And the Redskins made sure not to break it up.
A duo that could be great for years to come.
Good ring to it. I'm sure Redskins fans would agree.
