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Terry McLaurin fantasy outlook: Should you draft Commanders WR in 2024?

Thanks to the Jahan Dotson trade, Terry McLaurin has less competition for targets this year. To some, this is a good reason to draft McLaurin higher, but others might think that it creates an unbalanced offense, and he will have too much pressure. Here's a look through the fantasy-tinted glasses at McLaurin's potential this season.

Should you draft Commanders WR Terry McLaurin in 2024?

McLaurin at Washington Commanders v New York Jets - Source: Getty
McLaurin at Washington Commanders v New York Jets - Source: Getty

Terry McLaurin is getting ready to serve as the Washington Commanders' number-one receiver for another year. The automatically puts McLaurin into the drafting conversation. Put simply, yes, he is worth drafting; however, the key is to look at when in the draft is the best time to take the receiver.

Terry McLaurin 2024 fantasy outlook, ADP and 2023 stats

McLaurin at Dallas Cowboys v Washington Commanders - Source: Getty
McLaurin at Dallas Cowboys v Washington Commanders - Source: Getty

The Commanders wide receiver is due to have another 1000-yard season, according to Sportskeeda's Fantasy Simulator. He is expected to earn about 82 catches for 1150 yards and five touchdowns this year.

This would be an uptick in production compared to last season, when McLaurin barely scraped over the 1000-yard mark at 1002 yards.

When it comes to average draft position, McLaurin will probably be selected between 67 and 76 overall depending on the scoring system, per Fantasy Pros. Among receivers, he is usually selected about 30th overall.

Is Terry McLaurin a good pick in fantasy football this year?

McLaurin at San Francisco 49ers v Washington Commanders - Source: Getty
McLaurin at San Francisco 49ers v Washington Commanders - Source: Getty

At face value, McLaurin ticks all of the boxes. He has plenty of highlight catches, he is the number one receiver on the roster, and he is a reliable 1000-yard machine. But in past years, McLaurin has failed to excel, especially by scoring touchdowns.

Last year, he earned just four touchdowns. While this could jump with Jayden Daniels under center, it's still a gamble as a fantasy selection for a receiver. Put simply, he is a mid-tier player, even though he is the go-to on the Commanders roster.

Where should you draft Terry McLaurin this year?

McLaurin at Washington Commanders v Los Angeles Rams - Source: Getty
McLaurin at Washington Commanders v Los Angeles Rams - Source: Getty

This year, drafting McLaurin to be a starting receiver is most likely asking too much. However, as a borderline flex and top bench player, McLaurin makes sense. As such, he should be selected in the eighth round at the earliest. There is an expectation of increased production with a new quarterback, but don't expect McLaurin to win any fantasy matchups on his own.

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