Name: Tyler McLaurin
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 231 lbs.
High school: Bolingbrook (IL) Bolingbrook
Position: Edge
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #27
Last year: I ranked McLaurin #60 and said he would be a backup linebacker and special teamer (LINK). He played in four games.
TTB Rating: 75
Much like Ike Iwunnah (LINK), it's starting to get a bit late for Tyler McLaurin to look like a contributor. He started off as a linebacker in 2021, but last year he got thrown in with the "edge" players, presumably the Jaylen Harrell outside linebacker spot. Listed at 237 lbs. last season, I thought he would continue to bulk up. He played in four games in 2022, mostly on special teams.
Now McLaurin is still listed at "edge" in 2023, but he's down to 231 pounds, which is probably not a feasible weight for a 6'3" edge defender in the Big Ten unless you have some excellent quickness/athleticism, which is not necessarily McLaurin's forte based on his high school scouting. I expect McLaurin to be a special teams player, but I don't foresee him playing much defense in 2023.
Prediction: Backup outside linebacker and special teamer
In terms of upside potential I'd put Iwunnah substantially ahead of McLaurin since interior DL are more likely to need a few years of seasoning to build up strength. This can happen on the edge too (it can happen at almost any position really) but it's more common in the trenches to see a guy who was quiet all of his career rise up in year 4 or 5 to be a meaningful contributor.
ReplyDeleteIt's possible, but there's been no buzz around Iwunnah, and he can't even contribute on special teams.
DeleteFair point. Special team use this year would be telling
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