On paper, Vance McDonald has all the attributes to be one of the top tight ends in the league. However, he showed absolutely nothing on the field during his first season with the Steelers — until the AFC Divisional Round. If he can build off his final game of the season, McDonald may fulfill his potential and become a viable fantasy option in the Steelers explosive offense.
During his 10 regular season games, McDonald registered a useless 14 receptions, 188 yards and one touchdown. He was unable to click with Ben Roethlisberger and was nothing more than an afterthought in one of the league’s most explosive offenses. Then, the playoffs happened. McDonald lit up the nasty Jaguars defense to the tune of 112 yards and 10 receptions on 16(!) TARGETS. That is not a typo. For him to have gained Big Ben’s trust during a playoff game against the top defense in the NFL shows his potential for the 2018 season. We all know Roethlisberger loved to pepper Heath Miller, so if McDonald becomes more than just a benefit of a certain scheme, it would not hurt to use a late-round flier on the 6-foot-4, 267 lb tight end. Add McDonald to the list of Penny Stock tight ends with Rico Gathers and Ricky Seals-Jones.
