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Every Ohio State fan knows that Terry McLaurin is a game-changer and perhaps one of the most clutch receivers during the Urban Meyer era in Columbus. While the offensive scheme run with J.T. Barrett at quarterback — and the ridiculously deep wide receiver room with Dwayne Haskins under center — never really allowed McLaurin to put up the gaudy stats that he was probably capable of, he has the ability to be a contributor at the next level.
McLaurin’s reliability catching the ball — and as a special teams dynamo — have made him an interesting prospect for NFL front offices, especially after McLaurin lit up the workouts at the Senior Bowl. Meyer often praised McLaurin’s leadership, both as a wide receiver and a member of the team’s special teams’ units.
Scouting Report
Here’s what the pros are saying in his NFL Combine Scouting Report:
Overview
Wide receiver with good size, average tape, a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and a special teams pedigree. McLaurin is faster than quick, but he’s a detailed route runner who leans on physicality at the top of his route to beat handsy cornerbacks across their face. He will need to improve his ball skills and body positioning if he wants to win contested catches on the NFL level. He has the talent to be an NFL backup and his talent as a gunner could help him see the field quickly on special teams.
Strengths
Adequate size and speed combination outside
Quick lateral step and hand slap to beat press
Routes offer some detail and signs of polish
Good feel for leveraging cornerbacks out of position
Crisp angles out of stems and breaks
Physical at the top of his routes
Finds open spaces in scramble situations
Talented gunner with build-up speed and ball-tracking
Ate up one-on-one matchups throughout the week at Senior Bowl
Weaknesses
Has build-up speed, but lacks early acceleration
Body catcher with below-average extension and high-pointing
Will need to intensify pace of his routes as a pro
Long strides hinder short-area work underneath
Lacks suddenness to separate from tight man
Below-average blocker and willingness to do so
Doesn’t create yards after catch with wiggle and needs it in stride
Comes in hot and runs by special teams tackles
Measurements
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 208 lbs.
- Hand size: 9 1/8”
- Arm length: 31 1/2”
Combine Results
Bench press: 18 reps
40-yard dash: 4.36 unofficial | 4.39 unofficial
Run
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) March 2, 2019
Fast
Repeat@TheTerry_25 runs a 4.36u to continue the #Zone6 track meet
Watch the #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork#GoBucks #DevelopedHere pic.twitter.com/XpExVP6Ndb
Vertical jump: 37.5 inches
Broad jump: 125.0 inches
20-yard Shuttle: 4.15 seconds
Position drills:
Gauntlet drill: Former Ohio State wide receiver Terry McLaurin. pic.twitter.com/GkBK1kO5XA
— Garrett Stepien (@GarrettStepien) March 2, 2019
Interview Notables and Quotables
audio courtesy of LGHL’s Alexis Chassen
Draft Projection
For much of his career in Columbus, McLaurin felt like a secret weapon for the Buckeyes. While he rarely had the dazzling, highlight plays, he was one of the most constant, reliable receivers in recent OSU memory.
McLaurin had a tremendous week at the Senior Bowl in January, which has raised his profile amongst scouts. His projection is tough to pin down right now, as scouts said that his route-running was much better at the Senior Bowl than it was in his collegiate film.
If he can continue to impress with both his athleticism and refinement, McLaurin could end up as a Day 2 draft pick. His special teams proficiency will also be valuable when NFL teams evaluate him.