OVERVIEW:McDonald is an all-around athlete who played defensive end and tight end in high school while also playing center on the basketball team and qualifying for regionals three times while competing in the long jump, triple jump and relay teams in high school.
As a freshman at Rice, McDonald caught 12 passes to earn All Freshman honors in the conference. He was named the Owls' top receiver the following season, catching 14 passes for 223 yards and eight touchdowns.
McDonald's production soared in 2011 as he set new career highs with 44 catches for 541 yards while adding five more touchdowns in 12 games. He caught 36 more passes for 458 yards as a senior, earning consensus All-Conference USA honors.
McDonald finished his career with 120 receptions for 1,513 yards and 15 touchdowns, tying Kenneth Roy for fifth place on the school's career touchdown reception list.
McDonald could be a diamond in the rough to watch if he can build upon a strong effort at the Senior Bowl. A wide receiver/tight end at Rice, he has the makeup to be successful in today's NFL offenses increasingly relying on tight ends able to work the seam and underneath routes.
STRENGTHS: Broad shoulders, long arms (34.5 inches) and big hands (10 inches) to extend and pluck the ball out of the air. Aggressive during blocking drills at the Senior Bowl, staying balanced through contact and flashing a finishing attitude. Typically catches the ball cleanly and shows impressive fluidity for his size. Often lined up split wide in the Owls' offense and is an experienced route-runner.
WEAKNESSES: While he shows the effort as a blocker, questions remain about his ability to hold up in-line. Will drop catchable balls when trying to run before securing the catch.
*No meaningful tape available
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