Can This 2023 First-Round Pick Build Upon His Breakout Year with the Jets?
In 2023, Will McDonald IV was called as the New York Jets’ first-round pick in the NFL Draft. Among the likes of the other names in the draft, it’s safe to say many weren’t expecting the pick. In his rookie season, McDonald played a very minimal role on the Jets’ defense. He started zero of the 15 games that he appeared in, and logged just 184 total defensive snaps. However, in his limited role, he did record three sacks, showing his potential as a dynamic pass rusher.
In 2024, McDonald’s role on the Jets’ defensive line grew significantly. After the injury to standout edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, McDonald got new chances as a pass rusher. During the season, McDonald solidified his name among the defensive greats around the league and logged 10.5 sacks and 24 quarterback hits. Those numbers were only achieved by five other edge rushers. While he has excellent pass-rushing skills, he was often criticized in college for his inconsistency in how he handled the run game. With his changes so far ahead of the 2025 season in OTAs and training camp, McDonald has the chance to become one of the best pass rushers in the league, and also has the chance to have the most sacks in the league.
In a new defensive scheme with new head coach Aaron Glenn and new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, McDonald has the chance to step into an even bigger role. With the return of Johnson, McDonald’s role would most likely shift anyway, but during training camp, it seems he has moved full-time to the left side of the defensive line. During camp, 2025 first-round pick Armand Membou revealed that McDonald was one of his biggest competitors. On the left side, McDonald has shown that he can be one of the best rushers in the league, posting 11 total sacks compared to three on the right. While only time will tell if that is the defensive scheme the Jets plan to use in 2025, McDonald could be poised for a monster season with a ceiling as high as he can make it.
