49ers roster: 5 offseason additions who are paying off nicely
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: 49ers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud
As far as offensive contributions have gone, former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud hasn’t made too much of a dent here with just two catches for 36 yards.
But that’s not the primary reason why the 49ers brought him in via NFL free agency.
A year ago, the Niners were towards the bottom of league rankings in starting field position, averaging drive starts on their own 26.9-yard line, which ranked fourth worst. And while there’s a lot going into exactly where San Francisco opens up on offense every drive, the team currently ranks sixth best in this particular category.
McCloud already ranks ninth out of all punt-return specialists with an average of 9.2 yards per return, while his kickoff-return average is 21 yards (albeit on only two return attempts).
As noted on Fox Sports’ Week 2 television broadcast, the Seattle Seahawks were trying to legitimately kick touchbacks on kickoffs away from McCloud, meaning his impact is already being felt.
Considering the 49ers haven’t had a true return specialist for some years now, it’s safe to say McCloud is already making a positive impact in this overlooked-yet-vital category.