Terry McLaurin knows Dwayne Haskins is ready to be a franchise quarterback

Terry McLaurin is ready to see what Dwayne Haskins can do in year two.

Terry McLaurin is a huge fan of Dwayne Haskins, and why would he not be?

McLaurin and Haskins are not only teammates entering their second year with the Washington Redskins, but they starred together in college for the Ohio State Buckeyes. In 2018, Haskins became one of the most prolific passers in Ohio State history. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist and became the first Big Ten quarterback to go in the first round since Kerry Collins back in 1995.

While Haskins’ first year in Washington was tumultuous at best, it was McLaurin who proved to be one of the better rookie receivers in the NFL. Washington may have had a terrible record and fired its entire coaching staff, but there is a lot to like about this rapport between former Ohio State and current Redskins teammates. McLaurin offered his latest praise of his close friend.

“Dwayne’s looked great,” said McLaurin. “He looks really cut up, he’s slimmed down. He’s having fun again I feel like. A lot was thrown at him his first year, and I’m not making any excuses for him at all, but I feel like his focus is great right now physically, mentally…He’s ready to prove himself right and just ready to be the leader and the quarterback that this franchise needs and deserves.”

Is Dwayne Haskins ready to become the Washington’s franchise quarterback?

When Haskins came out of Ohio State, there was a lot to like about him going forward. He is a pure passer with great pocket presence and a willingness to throw the ball down field. Despite not being overly mobile, he shined during his one year as the Buckeyes starting quarterback in 2018. However, a lack of college starts made him a tad too raw to do much of anything last year.

Once former head coach Jay Gruden was fired, the Redskins became an even sloppier version of the chaotic mess they usually are. If you want to call Haskins’ rookie season in Washington a baptism by fire, you wouldn’t be wrong. However, most players improve the most in the offseason between the rookie and sophomore years in the league. Look for Haskins to be no different.

Not only does he have that awful rookie season out of the way, the Washington professional football franchise looks to be in its best spot in decades. With Bruce Allen out of the building and Ron Rivera as the new head coach, Washington may stop finally being dysfunctional this century. Along with offensive coordinator Scott Turner, Haskins’ growth potential is undeniable.

There will be accountability, there will be discipline and it will be about the work for once in Washington. These are all good things working in Haskins’ favor on his quest to becoming the franchise quarterback this franchise deserves. He may not ever be as good as Kirk Cousins, but Haskins has the best shot of any Washington quarterback to succeed there in decades.

McLaurin will always be a believer in Haskins, but maybe it’s time we join him in his praise?