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Terry McLaurin drops truth bomb on Commanders taking QB No. 2 in draft

Originally posted on ClutchPoints | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated 4/5/24

The Washington Commanders are in desperate need of a new franchise quarterback. Holding the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Commanders are in prime position to find the perfect fit.

Whoever Washington ends up selecting will have Terry McLaurin as their top wide receiver. While McLaurin plays a major role in the Commanders’ offense, he understands that whoever is under center will change the dynamic of what Washington tries to do with the ball, via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk.

“We’ll get one of them elite guys, so I’m just looking forward to whoever they bring in, helping bring them along,” McLaurin said. “Going into my sixth year I know the lay of the land, and anything I can do to help them become acclimated and part of the team, I’m going to do that.”

“My job when they get here is to help bring them along as well as I can, because we’ll go as far as the quarterback goes,” McLaurin continued.

McLaurin did everything he could to help the Commanders succeed in 2023. Starting all 17 games for the third year in a row, McLaurin caught 79 passes for 1,002 yards and four touchdowns. It continued his impressive run since joining Washington in 2019. Over 80 games total, McLaurin has caught 378 passes for 5,283 yards and 25 touchdowns.

However, McLaurin could only do so much at receiver. The Commanders were firmly held back by their quarterback play in 2023. Sam Howell – who has since been traded to the Seattle Seahawks – threw for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

While the Commanders could use help around their roster, it’s clear that quarterback is their biggest need. Terry McLaurin is now just waiting to see how Washington will end up with under center.

Commanders options at quarterback

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) carries the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With Caleb Williams widely expected to go No. 1 to the Chicago Bears, the Commanders will have their pick of the remaining elite QB prospects. North Carolina’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels have been the two quarterbacks most consistently projected to go at the top of the draft.

Maye is coming off of a down year, having thrown for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions in his final year with the Tar Heels. However, he was electric during the 2022 campaign, earning ACC Offensive Player of the Year honors by throwing for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Daniels had the reverse trajectory, scorching his way onto the draft boards after winning the Heisman Trophy in 2023. In his final year at LSU, Daniels threw for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and four interceptions. He added 1,134 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.

Both Maye and Daniels offer two complete different skill sets. Washington is assuredly examining both and deciphering which one will fit best in their offense. In the days leading up to the draft, it will be the most difficult decision the Commanders need to figure out.

But once they make their choice, Terry McLaurin is ready and willing to welcome them to Washington and begin the new era of Commanders football.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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