2023 NFL Draft: Jets Bolster Defensive Pass Rush in Round 1

Gang Green secures Iowa State EDGE Will McDonald at No. 15 overall

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

There were no premium offensive tackle prospects available for the taking when the New York Jets hit the clock in Round 1 at the 2023 NFL Draft.

Trading up one spot ahead of Gang Green, the Pittsburgh Steelers ended the run on bookends by selecting Georgia left tackle Broderick Jones at No. 14 overall.

Widely thought to be targeting a foundational offensive line piece, the Jets settled for adding a talented pass rusher to head coach Robert Saleh's vaunted defense. Iowa State outside linebacker Will McDonald IV was the pick at No. 15 overall. 

“Ultimately, we followed the board. Let the board come to us and we’re very excited to add Will to the team,” said Jets’ general manager Joe Douglas at a Thursday night press conference. 

The battle-tested McDonald spent five years with the Cyclones, establishing himself as one of the top performers in the Big 12 Conference. The 2022 All-American edge defender recorded at least 5.0 sacks in each of the last four seasons. 

“[McDonald has] a great combination of skill and production and athleticism,” said Douglas. “It was on full display at the Senior Bowl and all throughout his career in Ames. Fired up to add him to a strong unit and keep adding to the line of scrimmage.” 

The 6-foot-3 McDonald totaled 36 stops, 7.5 tackles-for-loss and four pass breakups over a 12-game sample this past fall. He earned a third consecutive All-Big 12 First Team honor in 2022

The 24-year old Iowa State product will have the chance to fit into the team's defensive line rotation early on in his career.

"Making sure that everybody touches the field, we come at you in waves. We dress 10 guys [defensive linemen] on gameday," said Saleh. "We got a guy [McDonald] that can close the door on some offenses and get to the quarterback. He's just got a unique ability to catch the corner. He's got elite length."

McDonald forced 10 fumbles and logged 42.0 TFL in 54 career appearances for ISU, where he was a teammate of Jets' second-year running back Breece Hall. 

JETS' 2023 DRAFTEE

ROUND 1 (No. 15 overall)

Will McDonald, EDGE, Iowa State

Ht: 6035 | Wt: 239 | Hand: 0948 | Arm: 3478 | Wing: 8228 | 40: 4.68e

NFL Draft Bible Excerpt on McDonald: "A linear pass rusher who offers initial explosion and suitable bend, McDonald plays as a 4-5 technique mainly in a three-point stance. Shows 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. He’ll need to bulk up for the pros but should still hear his name called early."

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