Cole

McDonald

Tennessee’s seventh-round pick last year, McDonald last signed and played for the Conquerors of The Spring League in November. He’s still only one year removed from tossing for 40-plus touchdowns with the Rainbow Warriors, joining Timmy Chang and Colt Brennan as the only players in Hawaii’s illustrious history with multiple 3,000-yard campaigns. He also led the nation with nine completions 40-plus yards downfield in the team’s designed empty backfield. There’s a chance he sticks around long enough to compete with Chris Streveler in camp.

The Titans just spent a seventh-round pick on McDonald a few months back, and they’ve already thrown in the towel. In a pandemic-shortened offseason, McDonald only had limited in-person reps with the team. They either went very poorly, or there’s something else that’s factoring into this decision. At Hawaii, McDonald lit up box scores with back-to-back 40-touchdown seasons but also dealt with too many turnovers and poor mechanics. It’s unclear if he’ll get another real shot in the NFL.

A two-year starter in coach Nick Rolovich’s run-and-shoot offense, McDonald (6'3/215) tossed for 40-plus touchdowns in each of the last two seasons, joining Timmy Chang and Colt Brennan as the only players in school history with multiple 3,000-yard campaigns. He also led the nation with nine completions 40-plus yards downfield in the Rainbow Warriors’ designed empty backfield. He’s a challenging evaluation due to Hawaii’s voluminous up-tempo attack but does offer accurate timing and touch, not to mention the mobility and speed (4.58 40) to escape most backfield pursuits. He’ll have to take better care of the football at the next level as he did fumble 12 times over his career, getting benched twice in his last two seasons due to inconsistent performance. His toughness and nonchalant attitude in playing through pain will be noticed, however, as he projects as a backup with great character for any team willing to have patience with his development.

A two-year starter in coach Nick Rolovich’s run-and-shoot offense, McDonald (6'3/215) tossed for 40-plus touchdowns in each of the last two seasons, joining Timmy Chang and Colt Brennan as the only players in school history with multiple 3,000-yard campaigns. He also led the nation with nine completions 40-plus yards downfield in the Rainbow Warriors’ designed empty backfield. He’s a challenging evaluation due to Hawaii’s voluminous up-tempo attack but does offer accurate timing and touch, not to mention the mobility and speed (4.58 40) to escape most backfield pursuits. He’ll have to take better care of the football at the next level as he did fumble 12 times over his career, getting benched twice in his last two seasons due to inconsistent performance. His toughness and nonchalant attitude in playing through pain will be noticed, however, as he projects as a backup with great character for any team willing to have patience with his development.