When you can be mentioned in the same sentence as NFL wide receivers like Michael Thomas, Kenny Golladay, and Chris Godwin, it’s probably a sign that you’re doing something right.
When you’re mentioned ahead of all those names in that sentence, something special is happening.
That’s how things are currently going for Washington Redskins rookie wide receiver, Terry McLaurin. After starting off his NFL career on a raucous pace, McLaurin continued a steady tear through the 2019 season, and he finished his rookie campaign with over 900 yards and seven touchdowns, which is second among rookies in the same draft class.
However, McLaurin ranked first among ALL receivers in the NFL when it comes to this stat.
Leading contested catch rate from the 2019 season #Redskins
1. Terry McLaurin 13/19 (68.4%)
2. Tyrell Williams 12/18 (66.7%)
3. Chris Godwin 16/25 (64%)
4. Michael Thomas 19/30 (63.3%)
5. Allen Robinson 21/36 (58.3%)
6. DJ Moore 15/27 (55.6%)
7. Kenny Golladay 13/24 (54.2%) pic.twitter.com/bK7oeQUDa7— Nick Faber (@NickFaberNFL) January 26, 2020
That’s right, when it comes to catching a ball in traffic, there was nobody better than McLaurin in 2019. Of 19 passes that were deemed ‘contested,’ McLaurin came down with 13 of them, giving him a 68.4% catch rate on such passes, highest in the league. What seems most incredible in this is that McLaurin finished ahead of Thomas, who seemingly comes down with every ball that is thrown near him.
It may be a lesser-known stat, but it’s another number that goes to show how impressive McLaurin was in his rookie year and gives hope for what’s to come.
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