One Ohio State football player’s draft stock rose significantly during his final season and continued to do so with his performance at the Senior Bowl.
One of the bright spots on the Ohio State football team last season was wide receiver Terry McLaurin. His outstanding production enabled him to be invited to the Senior Bowl where he shined.
His performance in front of representatives from NFL teams certainly improved his draft stock. Not just by how he played in the game, which was excellent, but during the practices leading up to it.
That’s when pro scouts and general managers get to see a player up close. They watch his technique, practice habits, work ethic etc., and get to know him personally through interviews.
By everything I read McLaurin knocked the ball out of the park.
Patrick Murphy of 247Sports reported he got off to a terrific start during Senior Bowl week. Later on, this was reported about two receivers who had been impressive to that point by Draft Analyst.com via twitter.
"Keelan Doss/WR/UC-Davis and Terry McLaurin/WR/Ohio St really impressive with route-running and quickness. Extremely solid catching the football as well."
It certainly didn’t hurt anything McLaurin caught four passes for 53 yards during the game and gained 19 yards on his one carry. But that really was just icing on the cake.
Now that NFL general managers have seen the Buckeye wide receiver up close, you know they will be studying plenty of tape of his senior season. And it was an excellent one.
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McLaurin improved in every statistical category from his junior year. He had 35 receptions for 701 yards (20 yards per catch) and scored 11 touchdowns.
After McLaurin’s fine performance during Senior Bowl practices, general managers may take another thing into consideration. He was coached by a former NFL receiver last year which certainly improved his route running and preparation.
Who better to teach a young player how to prepare for the challenges he will face playing professional football than a guy like Brian Hartline who played on Sundays for seven seasons. NFL teams may now believe McLaurin is more NFL ready than other receivers in the draft.
But when it comes to the interviews, that’s just a credit to Terry. He has proven to be a fine young man during his five years at Ohio State and is one of Urban Meyer’s favorite players.
Terry McLaurin had a fine career and was a terrific team leader for the Buckeyes so it’s good to see he is really getting noticed by NFL teams. It couldn’t happen to a better guy.