RERDSKINS ROOK RECEIVER MCLAURIN LIVING UP TO EXPECTATIONS

The third-round draft pick has been showered with praise from coaches and teammates, and he has consistently made plays in camp. His speed is obvious, and he has shown good hands and special teams ability. McLaurin is an intellectual player and is trying to learn all three wide receiver positions to take advantage of his versatility.

“I feel like things have really slowed down for me,” McLaurin said. “I remember that first practice just being so nervous, and things were kind of going fast. But I’ve always been a great study when it comes to studying the game. . . . I feel like I’ve done a good job developing that, working on my mistakes.”

Washington selected the six-foot McLaurin in the third round of last April’s draft following taking former Buckeyes teammate Haskins 15th overall in 2019. In four collegiate seasons in Ohio State, McLaurin recorded 75 receptions and 1,251 yards in 75 games including 19 touchdowns and 16.7 yards per reception.

The Redskins are hoping McLaurin’s chemistry with Haskins develops into a fruitful connection in the future. Despite 35-year-old QB Alex Smith going down last season with a fractured leg, it’s no easy path towards starting job for the rookie Haskins. The D.C. franchise also has rostered veterans Case Keenum and Colt McCoy—the latter of which has been with head coach Jay Gruden and the club since 2014.

Nevertheless, the Redskins are hedging their bets that the Haskins-McLaurin connection will work down the road.