Sports Illustrated Gives Gang Green Average Real-time Grade for Round 1 Selection

Jets went with an edge rusher from Iowa State at No. 15 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft

For the avid mock draft reader, the New York Jets’ first-round player choice was unexpected.

It wasn’t the bookend tackle that the bulk of draftniks had suggested. There weren’t any one those available when the Gang Green’s turn came up at No. 15 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

It also wasn’t top-ranked receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who fell to the Seattle Seahawks in the No. 20 slot.

The Jets settled for an experienced edge rusher out of the Big 12 Conference and Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame dealt Gang Green an average grade for the pick.

Teaming up with SI colleague Gilberto Manzano to review every first-round selection in real time, Verderame gave the Jets a “C+” for drafting Iowa State defensive end Will McDonald midway through Round 1. 

15 New York Jets (from Green Bay), Will McDonald IV, LB, edge, Iowa State

The Jets believe in the upside of McDonald IV, who racked up 34 sacks over five years with the Cyclones, including 22 combined over 2020 and ’21, but dipped to five last season. At 239 pounds, the Iowa State star gives New York another problem up front for opponents, flanking defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and edge rusher Carl Lawson. —*M.V.* 

Grade: C+ 

The only teams who received a first-round mark lower than the Jets were the Philadelphia Eagles (C), Detroit Lions (C-), Washington Commanders (C), Minnesota Vikings (C), and New Orleans Saints (C).

Naturally, Jets' general manager Joe Douglas sees the McDonald pick worthy of a better than average grade. 

"Ultimately, we felt really good about where we were and the player that was staring right at our face," said Douglas at a Thursday night press conference.

McDonald, a three-time All-Big 12 First Team honoree, totaled 36 stops, 7.5 tackles-for-loss and four pass breakups over a 12-game sample this past fall. 

"He's been productive his entire career in Ames," said Douglas. 

More than 34 percent of McDonald's tackles at the collegiate level resulted in a loss. He totaled 54 appearances at Iowa State, tying the Big 12 Conference career sacks (34.0) record.

"We’re very excited to add Will to the team," said Douglas. "Great combination of skill and production and athleticism." 

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