McDonald just gets open and makes it easy for quarterbacks to get him the ball. Both quarterbacks drafted by the Browns kept going to him in rookie camp. McDonald will continue to build that trust with the veterans as he hopes to climb the depth chart and make a claim for a roster spot.
The other element that could work in McDonald's favor is the makeup of the team's roster. After Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, there are largely question marks at wide receiver. Maybe Diontae Johnson or Jamari Thrash can become a contributor. As a result, the Browns are likely to lean heavily on tight ends, including fellow rookie Harold Fannin Jr. and David Njoku.
Not only does the lack of proven receiver talent potentially help McDonald's chances, but so does the fact the Browns could lean heavily on the tight end position. If Fannin is able to make an impact as a rookie, defenses will have to find ways to contest two big bodies largely lined up near the middle of the formation. That's likely to come in the form of linebackers and safeties, potentially a combination of both.
McDonald is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Going from bigger bodies to then going to so much quicker. It also is going to require different personnel. Smaller personnel. In that way, the Browns could potentially find the most favorable matchups. If a team either lacks corner depth or is dealing with injuries in a given week, they might want to go with more receivers and that could enable a player like McDonald to succeed. In the event McDonald is able to outmuscle some of the smaller nickel options that might cover him, he could be a real problem.
If a team doesn't have the personnel to match up with two tight ends, the Browns can lean into that group. They can also mix and match, trying to put stress on the defense, forcing them to prepare for both, which could open up opportunities for the running game and play-action.
In order for any of that to occur, McDonald has to prove himself in training camp and earn himself a roster spot. He could make for an entertaining player to watch throughout the preseason. Whether or not McDonald is able to get there, this is exactly the type of player that the Browns should be looking at to see if they can find a viable slot receiver.