The Washington Commanders made a significant leap last season, finishing second in the NFC East and improving dramatically from their last-place standing just a year prior. Much of this success can be credited to the dynamic connection between receiver Terry McLaurin and the new additions to the coaching and quarterback ranks.
With the arrival of quarterback Jayden Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn, along with a star-studded coaching staff that includes offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, McLaurin truly flourished. This past season marked the best of his career, showcasing not just his skills, but the synergy created by this new leadership.
It’s intriguing to note that McLaurin is not just a standout receiver for the Commanders, but he’s also a product of one of the most successful collegiate programs when it comes to producing NFL talent. In a recent evaluation, NFL.com ranked him among the best players emerging from schools known for their prolific receiver output.
“Lately, no other college has matched LSU’s ability to produce professional wide receivers quite like Ohio State,” writes Gennaro Filice. Over the last four drafts, the Buckeyes have produced an impressive lineup of first-round wideouts, including names like Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr. However, when it comes to McLaurin, who entered the league as a third-round pick in 2019, expectations were different; he was seen as a speedy depth option with solid special teams potential. Fast forward to today, and he has firmly established himself as a no-doubt WR1, notching a career-high 13 touchdowns and earning second-team All-Pro honors.
Joining McLaurin as a representative of Ohio State’s strong NFL presence is Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, alongside Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, who is just beginning his career this season.
While Ohio State continues to lead in this discussion, it’s worth noting that Alabama, Georgia, and Oklahoma also made the list of top programs. Interestingly, it was former Buckeye Joe Burrow, now with the Cincinnati Bengals, who took representation for LSU on this ranking, leaving Daniels—who has impressed since his rookie season on the Commanders—to continue proving his potential.
Looking ahead, the combination of Daniels and receiver Malik Nabers with the New York Giants has the chance to elevate LSU’s reputation in the NFL significantly. If they continue to build on their promising starts, they could redefine what it means for LSU in professional football. It’s an exciting time for the Commanders and their fans as they look to capitalize on this momentum and showcase their newfound talent in the league.
