What is Steelers plan for wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud?
By Tommy Jaggi
The Steelers recently signed return specialist and wide receiver, Ray-Ray McCloud. Here’s how Pittsburgh could use him in 2020.
Just when we thought the Steelers were done adding players, they reached out and signed former Bills and Panther receiver, Ray-Ray McCloud. Often times, when we see an addition like this, it’s because a Pittsburgh wide receiver is injured (or in this case, dealing with COVID-19). However, that’s not the case here.
Though he’s listed as a wide receiver, Ray-Ray McCloud is really known for one thing: His ability as a return specialist. In college, McCloud was a member of an impressive Clemson team that boasted a 40-4 record from 2015-2017. Despite catching just 49 balls for 503 yards and 1 touchdown as a junior, McCloud opted for the NFL draft. This decision likely had to do with his ability in the return game.
In 2017, McCloud averaged 12.1 yards per punt return for the Clemson Tigers – taking one back to the house. As a result of his impressive return skills, the shifty return man was ultimately drafted in the 6th round by the Buffalo Bills in 2018. Unfortunately, he played just 10 games in Buffalo before getting the boot. Last year, he was a member of the Carolina Panthers – averaging an impressive 8.2 yards per punt return.
What is the Steelers plan for Ray-Ray McCloud?
Unfortunately, McCloud is very limited as to what he offers to a football team. At 5’9 1/2” and 190 pounds, McCloud has caught just 5 passes in 16 games in the league and failed to record an offensive stat in 2019. This makes him a very one-dimensional player.
The Steelers have four receivers that are in no danger at all of losing their roster spot; those obviously being JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, James Washington, and Chase Claypool. While some initially suggested that McCloud could be a replacement for Ryan Switzer, I don’t see that happening – especially without a preseason to show off his return skills.
Admittedly, Switzer was pretty bad for Pittsburgh last year. In 9 games before his injury, the third-year receiver and return man averaged a dismal 3.4 yards per reception with Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges at the helm. His ability in the return game was just as bad – averaging 3.6 yards per punt return and 18.4 yards per kick return.
While you could make the case for McCloud over Switzer based on efficiency numbers from last year, this change is highly unlikely. Switzer has developed terrific chemistry with Ben Roethlisberger and he’s at least a competent slot receiver on offense with his ability to run routes and work in space.
Realistically, the McCloud signing was likely nothing more than just adding depth and a potential practice squad return man that the Steelers could bring up in a pinch.
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Though it’s not impossible that Ray-Ray McCloud could find his way on the 53-man roster for the Steelers this year, I don’t see it happening unless an injury occurs or Switzer really struggles. Only then will he get his chance to show what he can do in the regular season.