Jets' First-Round Edge Rusher Facing Rookie Year Challenge

Will McDonald, the No. 15 overall draft pick in April, preps for his NFL Preseason debut

It can take time for a rookie to establish his footing in the National Football League, especially on the defensive line.

New York Jets' first-year edge rusher Will McDonald is facing the challenge head on in training camp.

"Aside from the quarterback, D-Line is one of the harder positions to produce within your first year. It’s just hard," said third-year head coach Robert Saleh.

McDonald, who left Iowa State tied for the all-time Big 12 Conference lead in sacks (34.0), is attempting to break into a rotation that features proven veterans John Franklin-Myers and Carl Lawson along with 2022 first-round pick Jermaine Johnson.

"He’s got a chance to go find himself, figure out who he is, learn some new techniques. I’ll say it again, his athleticism is freakish. It is freakish," said Saleh following Monday's practice in Florham Park. "He’s got a tremendous amount of ability in him. He’s got to learn some things, but to be able to do it on his time is always a plus."

With their defensive line depth, the Jets don't necessarily need McDonald for more than 15-20 snaps per game come the regular season and they are bringing him along at a steady pace during his first professional training camp.

"We don’t ask those guys to do a lot. Just get off the ball, but he looks good. Like I said, he’s got to learn power," said Saleh on Sunday.

Addressing reporters on Monday, the 6-foot-4 McDonald made his focus clear.

"I just want to go against the man in front of me and do my job," said the 24-year-old rookie.

McDonald will have a job to do in the Hall of Game on Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns. 

"I'm just gonna approach it the same that I do every game," said McDonald, who made 54 career appearances over a five-year span at Iowa State, on Monday.

In a preseason game where the starters won't play, according to Saleh, McDonald should have ample opportunity to showcase that "freakish" ability in the nationally-televised exhibition on NBC.

"It's [being able to hit the quarterback] gonna make me happy in a certain way. I gotta be able to execute those opportunities," said McDonald looking ahead to his debut.

The athletic, but somewhat raw, McDonald will have to work for those opportunities to get to the passer.

"Your athleticism is not enough because now you’re playing a game within a game. You’re playing these tackles, every single one of them was All-American. Every single one of them can move just as quickly as you can," said Saleh. "It’s a completely different game in there."

READ MORE:

Two Vets Back Together at Practice; Wilson Remains Sidelined

Tracking the Jets in 2023 NFL Top 100

Jets Top Fins, Boys and Bolts in SI's NFL Power Rankings

HOF Enshrinement Week Schedule Guide

Iowa State 'Cyclone Boys' Ready to Fuel Jets in 2023