Wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud entered the NFL in 2018 as a sixth-round pick with the Buffalo Bills. That was the same year the team made quarterback Josh Allen the No. 7 overall pick. McCloud spent two seasons with the Bills before bouncing between the Carolina Panthers, Bills, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
The San Francisco 49ers signed McCloud this offseason, hoping to make the wideout their primary return man. He'll have to contribute on offense as well since head coach Kyle Shanahan values versatility. That means catching passes from second-year quarterback Trey Lance.
McCloud spoke with reporters after Tuesday's practice as the 49ers prepare for their preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. He was asked about his new quarterback and how the 22-year-old compares to his quarterback in Buffalo.
"Every day, [Lance is] getting better, learning how to be a leader," McCloud said. "Not even learning; he has it already. It's a natural thing with him. Actually, I came in with Josh Allen and the Bills, and he gives me that same type of energy, that 'I'm ready to take the next step' energy."
Lance started just two games last season but will replace Jimmy Garoppolo as the 49ers' starting quarterback in 2022. As Lance finds his footing, there will likely be ups and downs, but the team has a talented enough roster that can overcome any growing pains.
McCloud knows that NFL players can make a significant jump in their second seasons, and he expects Lance to grow in his sophomore NFL year.
"I wasn't with him last year, but that second year is kind of the difference," McCloud explained. "I think for, most NFL players, the first and second [year is a big difference], especially for me it was. Just watching Trey every day grow as a leader, be able to take control of not even just the huddle [but] the offense as a whole when we're going through walk-throughs, and making sure everybody where they need to be at a certain time. It's great watching him practice."
