Claypool played at Z his entire sophomore season and at the X his entire Junior season. This means you can essentially use him as a detached tight end when he's in the slot or play a normal base package if he lines up at X without having to substitute since Finke also knows both Z and X. But that's not all. As a freshman Claypool lined up as an H-back against Stanford so they could have options in the power running game as well.
Don't get me wrong, two legitimate tight ends is a great look for this offense, but Mike Frank is always saying that Book is at his best running tempo. Having McKinley at W allows them to be whatever they want at max speed while Claypool dominates the dojo.
Agreed. McKinley on the field makes Notre dame a better Offensive football team.