SI Identifies Bust Potential for Jets' First-Round Draft Pick Will McDonald

The Iowa State edge rusher was selected by Gang Green at No. 15 overall

Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

Will McDonald is either going to surprise the critics or prove them right. 

The New York Jets' first-round draft pick caught the "experts" off guard when he became the No. 15 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. With the top-four offensive tackles already off the board, Gang Green went with McDonald, the Iowa State edge rusher who had a late-first/early-second round grade.

A number of pundits questioned the choice, including Sports Illustrated's Matthew Verderame. The NFL writer gave the Jets an instant C+ grade for the pick during last Thursday night's first round.

Verderame has subsequently listed his top-five possible draft busts for AFC teams and McDonald was included.

The Jets' rookie pass rusher was No. 2 on the list ahead of CJ Stroud (Texans), Zay Flowers (Ravens) and defensive end Tyree Wilson (Raiders). McDonald ranked behind only Tennessee Titans' quarterback Will Levis. 

From The Five NFL Draft Picks Most Likely to Be a Bust in the AFC:

2. Will McDonald IV, DE, Jets

Why he'll be a bust: Many believed the Jets would select a left tackle in the first round to pair with newly acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, when a run on tackles took that option away from New York, general manager Joe Douglas pivoted and went with McDonald, an Iowa State edge rusher who, while talented, also has concerns.

For starters, McDonald is one of the oldest rookies in the class at 23 (he turns 24 in June) after playing five years with the Cyclones. Then there’s the inconsistent production, which saw the Wisconsin native tally just five sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss last year. Yet in the previous two years, McDonald combined for 26 tackles for loss and 22 sacks. Which is the player New York is getting?

If the Jets can get a quality pass rusher in McDonald who adds to the presences of Quinnen Williams, John Franklin-Myers and Carl Lawson, they’ll be thrilled. But that’s not a given.

- Matthew Verderame

---

Which of the AFC’s top picks could be cautionary tales in the coming years?@MattVerderame on how things could go wrong for these five players ↓ https://t.co/fqj9GqqSdo

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 5, 2023

Jets’ brass clearly has a different view than Verderame.

"Excited to add Will (McDonald IV) to the team," said Jets' general manager Joe Douglas during a Draft Night press conference. "Feel like he was one of, if not the most dynamic pass rushers in this Draft. Great combination of skill, production and athleticism."

McDonald’s draft profile certainly features a number of appealing characteristics. The 6-foot-3 defensive end possesses a record of college production and an athleticism that translates well to rushing the passer. He tied the Big 12 Conference career record for sacks (34.5), logging at least 5.0 QB takedowns in each of the past four seasons.

The soon-to-be 24-year old McDonald registered an 11-foot broad jump at the NFL Combine, leading all defensive end participants in Indianapolis. The three-time All-Big 12 Conference First Team honoree features an 82.25-inch wingspan and nearly 35-inch arms.

“He is long, big. You look at his height, weight and then you see him and you’re like, ‘Wow, he just feels bigger,’” said Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh. “There’s no doubt in an NFL program with an NFL training table, he’s going to get another 10-15 pounds. He’s going to be pretty cool. I’m excited to work with him.”

Not many pass rushers have gotten past Darnell Wright this week, but @CycloneFB edge rusher Will McDonald has a few win against him.

McDonald has been using his speed effectively against’s Wright’s outside shoulder, which set up this nice inside counter. Good week for McDonald pic.twitter.com/sHbN1sQfVA

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) February 1, 2023

READ MORE:

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

DRAFT: Jets Bolster Defensive Pass Rush in Round 1

Jets' Rookie Minicamp Day 2 Quotes

Jets' 2023 Rookie Minicamp Roster

Jets' Rookie Minicamp Day 1 Quotes

Gang Green Announces Jersey Numbers for 2023 Draft Class