Ray-Ray McCloud III, a 27-year-old wide receiver, has been making his mark in the NFL since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. Here is a comprehensive look at his career and current stats.
Early Career and College Days
Before entering the NFL, McCloud had a notable college career at Clemson University. As a freshman in 2015, he played in 12 games, catching 29 passes for 251 yards and one touchdown. In his sophomore year, he played in 14 of Clemson's 15 games, tallying 49 receptions for 472 yards and two touchdowns, which helped Clemson win the National Championship.
In his junior year, McCloud played in all 14 of Clemson's games, with 49 receptions for 503 yards and one touchdown. He also excelled as a punt returner, returning 25 punts for 303 yards and one touchdown. After this successful season, he declared for the 2018 NFL draft.
NFL Career
McCloud's NFL career began with the Buffalo Bills in 2018, where he played in 10 games, catching 5 passes for 36 yards. He then moved to the Carolina Panthers in 2019, although he did not record any receptions that season. His time with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2020 to 2021 saw him accumulate more playing time, with 20 receptions for 77 yards in 2020 and 39 receptions for 277 yards in 2021.
In 2022 and 2023, McCloud played for the San Francisco 49ers. During his time with the 49ers, he had 14 receptions for 243 yards and a touchdown in 2022, and 12 receptions for 135 yards in 2023. He also demonstrated his skills as a returner, with notable return yards and averages each season.
Current Season with the Atlanta Falcons
In March 2024, McCloud signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. This move marked a new chapter in his career, joining a revamped wide receiver corps that includes Darnell Mooney and Casey Washington, and playing under new quarterback Kirk Cousins. As of the early 2024 season, McCloud has caught 7 passes on 12 targets for 94 yards, averaging 13.4 yards per reception. He has also rushed once for 3 yards.
In a recent game against the Eagles, McCloud played every offensive snap, securing three receptions for 42 yards and rushing once for 3 yards. His performance has been encouraging, though it remains to be seen how many viable fantasy wideouts the Falcons' new-look offense can sustain, especially with the potential impact of tight end Kyle Pitts.
Special Teams and Advanced Stats
McCloud has consistently excelled as a return specialist throughout his career. In 2023 with the 49ers, he had 24 returns for 203 yards, and in his previous seasons with the Steelers and 49ers, he showed similar prowess in the return game. His advanced stats, such as air yards per game and percentage of team air yards, highlight his role in the Falcons' passing attack, with 31.2% of the team's total air yards and 23.5% of the team's total targets.
For more detailed information on NFL players and their advanced stats, you can visit the National Football League page on Wikipedia.
As the 2024 season progresses, McCloud's contributions to the Falcons will be closely watched, especially given his versatility as both a receiver and return specialist. His ability to secure a roster spot and impact the team's performance will be crucial in the coming weeks.
