Steelers Sign Wr Shaun Mcdonald

[mhead66]

Pittsburgh signed WR Shaun McDonald. Not earth shattering news, he had 35 catches, 332 yards for Detroit last year. However, in '07, he had 79 receptions, 943 yards, and 6 TDs. Not bad...

Was he considered by the Ravens' FO?

[url="http://news.steelers.com/article/105181/"]http://news.steelers.com/article/105181/[/url]

[theFRANCHISE]

Shaun McDonald is an average receiver at best; the only reason he posted those numbers in 2007 was because of how pass-happy the Lions offense was that season. Additionally, in rotating between the #2 and #3 role, McDonald was effective when Calvin Johnson or Roy Williams was on the other side of the field, drawing double-teams. Even though he would eventually supplant Mike Furrey on the depth chart in 2007, McDonald's numbers were still inflated from the slot.

As a designated starter opposite Calvin Johnson in 2007, McDonald only posted 3 games over 60 yards in 7 starts. His only 100-yard game of the season came as a slot receiver in a loss to the Giants, and he had only surpassed 90 yards receiving in 3 games despite playing a full 16 games. That tells me that McDonald is a career slot receiver and likely won't make an impact as a starter.

In other words, the Ravens' front office may have considered him, but he would not have been effective as a #1 or #2 receiver, so there was no point.

[Nevermore52]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='188828' date='May 1 2009, 10:35 AM']Shaun McDonald is an average receiver at best; the only reason he posted those numbers in 2007 was because of how pass-happy the Lions offense was that season. Additionally, in rotating between the #2 and #3 role, McDonald was effective when Calvin Johnson or Roy Williams was on the other side of the field, drawing double-teams. Even though he would eventually supplant Mike Furrey on the depth chart in 2007, McDonald's numbers were still inflated from the slot.

As a designated starter opposite Calvin Johnson in 2007, McDonald only posted 3 games over 60 yards in 7 starts. His only 100-yard game of the season came as a slot receiver in a loss to the Giants, and he had only surpassed 90 yards receiving in 3 games despite playing a full 16 games. That tells me that McDonald is a career slot receiver and likely won't make an impact as a starter.

[b]In other words, the Ravens' front office may have considered him, but he would not have been effective as a #1 or #2 receiver, so there was no point.[/b][/quote]

That is entirely correct. Mcdonald will be at least the 4th receiver on the Steelers roster behind Ward, Holmes and Sweed. They signed him for his experience and depth at the position.