NFL Draft Profile: New York Jets Select Iowa State EDGE Will McDonald IV

NFL Draft profile scouting report for Iowa State EDGE Will McDonald IV

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#9
Pos: EDGE
Ht: 6035
Wt: 239
Hand: 0948
Arm: 3478
Wing: 8228
40: 4.70
DOB: 6/4/1999
Hometown: Pewaukee, WI
High School: Waukesha North
Eligibility: 2023

Will McDonald IV
Iowa State Cylcones

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One-Liner:

A linear pass rusher who offers initial explosion and suitable bend.

Evaluation:

Long, flowing physique. Plays as a 4-5 technique mainly in a three-point stance. Significant bend at the junction point. Ankle and hip flexibility to flatten his rush path. Useful hands that can swipe and work through linemen's grasps, forcing them to recover. Initial get-off helps him split double teams and reach the backfield. Laterally adept, with the speed and agility to set the edge on perimeter runs if he’s free. Effort and motor to chase backs across the field. Teams repeatedly started double-chipping him as the season went on. Despite notable play strength, certainly lighter than most four-man front players. May want him to add size and play as an on-ball edge. Don't want him reduced inside, offers little run support as a penetrator vs the interior of the o-line. Some balance issues arise leading him to be finished by tackles when he turns the corner uncontrolled. Misses more tackles than he should. McDonald is a bendy, explosive pass rusher who can also prove support on perimeter runs. His loose ankles, upfield explosion, and consistent motor make him a sufficient prospect. Due to some size concerns, his position at the next level will take some sorting out. If he can show up to the Senior Bowl and pre-draft evaluations with added weight but similar “juice” look for McDonald to generate buzz as a rising prospect.

Grade:

3rd Round

Background:

Hometown is Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports. Ranked as the 3rd best player from Wisconsin and 47th best weakside defensive end in the nation. Selected to first-team all-state in 2017. Also a two-time all-region selection. Other than football, McDonald IV lettered in baseball, basketball and track and field. Was named the 2018 Classic 8 Player of the Year in basketball. Track and field discus champion and placed third in the high jump. Parents are Wilbert McDonald and Chandra Williams. Majoring in liberal studies.