Philadelphia Eagles: 7 Prospects to target in 2019 NFL Draft
2. Terry McLaurin, WR, Ohio State
When you look at the Eagles, a need at wide receiver doesn’t jump off the screen. The combination of Alshon Jeffrey, Nelson Agholor, Golden Tate and Jordan Matthews works well. However, missing from the Eagle offense is a true burner, someone who can take the top off defenses and allow Jeffrey to work the intermediate routes.
With Tate set to hit the free agent market, the need for receiver becomes blatant. Of course, the rumors of a returning DeSean Jackson could solve the problem. But new Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians isn’t letting him go without a fight. With that said, a player out wide with Terry McLaurin’s skill-set makes sense.
While not a true burner at Ohio State, McLaurin averaged 20 yards per catch with 11 touchdowns. How he wins is with his elite foot quickness and agility. He has decent long-speed, and separates well on underneath routes.
In fact, McLaurin was cooking at the Senior Bowl, showing NFL scouts and execs that he’s more than a one trick pony. It doesn’t hurt that NFL Draft guru Lance Zierlein raved about McLaurin’s dominance and leadership:
One of the coolest things I saw at @seniorbowl was Ohio State WR Terry McLaurin uncover in 1-on1s & make catches & then explain some of his route work to DBs between reps in order to help him. Three DBs dapped him up after 1-on-1s finished. I e never seen that there before.
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) January 25, 2019
McLaurin isn’t going to wow the 40-yard dash with 4.3 speed, but he can blow the top of defenses. He has knack for getting open downfield and does a great job after the catch. With the Eagles mesh system, McLaurin’s versatility makes him an ideal prospect.