The UKHTTC Roster Lowdown Part 1: the WR group

The Washington Commanders are in minicamp with pretty much a clean bill of health across a talented roster.

And under the new Assistant Head Coach, Eric Bieniemy, it is fair to report that camp has gotten just that little bit harder and just that little less forgiving than under his predecessor Scott Turner.

So, what is the state of the nation in D.C?

What positional groups are stronger than others? Where might there still be weaknesses to address, whether that be through hard work or FA additions?

Over the coming weeks, UKHTTC founder, Christian Burt, will take a positional group each blog and give a broad overview and grade of their NFL win-level readiness and what could go right or wrong.

Welcome to blog one of The Roster Lowdown as we focus first on those guys who will be catching the passes: the WR core in burgundy & gold.

Wide Receivers

A position of strength in Washington? You would have to say so.

Led by the quality of Terry McLaurin, who has three consecutive 1,000+ receiving yard seasons, this is a group that could be explosive under Bieniemy.

McLaurin has performed heroics during his Washington career, and the stats are first-class despite the obvious lack of both quality and stability at QB.

Terry is solid in every aspect of his game. Whether it be contested catches, speed and route running, McLaurin has never let the Commanders down. Throw in the fact he is a Tier One leader and of the highest character possible and number 17 might just be the best player on the entire roster.

The supporting cast are no slouches either. Jahan Dotson was taken in the first round of 2022 and although missing five games through injury in 2022, Jahan still recorded 7 TDs and x2 rookie of the week awards.

Dotson could potentially eclipse Terry going forward, this kid is game changer and gives the Commanders another dynamic threat on the outside.

Having a WR3 like Curtis Samuel is a huge bonus and Curtis has the versatility to match up inside, outside, and anywhere in-between. After an injury plagued 2021, Samuel suited up for all 17 games last season and, for many, Curtis might be guy who really benefits from the Bieniemy offense.

Best of the rest: Dyami Brown played alongside Sam Howell in North Carolina and is a vertical threat. With the opposition fixated on McLaurin and Dotson, they should not forget the potential explosive big yardage capability of Brown.

What could go wrong then? Aside from injury, which is never too far away in the NFL, there remains question marks at the QB position. The WR group are supremely talented and of high character, but will they receive quality passes from the guy under centre?

It might also be argued that the group lack a big-bodied receiver, although both Terry and Jahan play bigger than their physical stature.

Where does this group fit in the Commanders group roster ranking?

I would say this group are the equal second-best positional group in burgundy and gold. And I will reveal next blog who they share that lofty ranking with.

Where does this group fit in the overall NFL rankings?

Lower end of the Top Ten, but the potential is to climb even higher.