Will McDonald
24-Year-Old
2023 Defense Stats
TCKL
14
SACKS
3.0
INT
0
FF
1
TD
0
2024 Projections
Quiet rookie season
McDonald finished his rookie season with 3.0 sacks among his 14 tackles (nine solo) while adding a forced fumble and a fumble recovery over 15 games.
ANALYSIS
Despite being a first-round selection (15th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, McDonald was limited to a reserve role on the Jets' deep defensive line in his first NFL campaign. There were questions about his ability in run support entering the NFL given his 6-foot-3, 241-pound frame, and McDonald was used primarily as a pass-rush specialist in 2023, but he was outclassed in that role by Bryce Huff (10.0 sacks) while failing to exceed 30 percent of defensive snaps in any game. With Huff set to become an unrestricted free agent, McDonald could see a bump in usage in 2024, and the Jets will be hoping he progresses similarly to 2022 first-round draft pick Jermaine Johnson, who jumped from 2.5 sacks as a rookie to 7.5 in his second season.
Despite being a first-round selection (15th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, McDonald was limited to a reserve role on the Jets' deep defensive line in his first NFL campaign. There were questions about his ability in run support entering the NFL given his 6-foot-3, 241-pound frame, and McDonald was used primarily as a pass-rush specialist in 2023, but he was outclassed in that role by Bryce Huff (10.0 sacks) while failing to exceed 30 percent of defensive snaps in any game. With Huff set to become an unrestricted free agent, McDonald could see a bump in usage in 2024, and the Jets will be hoping he progresses similarly to 2022 first-round draft pick Jermaine Johnson, who jumped from 2.5 sacks as a rookie to 7.5 in his second season.
NFL Stats
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2023
2023 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
2023 Will McDonald Split Stats
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Measurables Review
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How do Will McDonald's measurables compare to other defensive ends?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
* The 40-Yard Dash, Shuttle Time, and Cone Drill metrics are from his Pro Day. All others are from the NFL Combine.
Height
6' 4"Weight
239 lbs40-Yard Dash*
4.69 secShuttle Time*
4.22 secCone Drill*
6.85 secVertical Jump
36.0 inBroad Jump
132 inBench Press
0 repsHand Length
9.50 inArm Length
34.88 in
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Will McDonald See More
Latest Fantasy Rumors
Reddick arrival could have impact
McDonald's 2024 outlook could be impacted by the Jets' trade for Haason Reddick on Friday, Rich Cimini of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
McDonald was the 15th overall pick out of Clemson a year ago, and he filled a modest role on defense consisting of 177 snaps. McDonald parlayed that playing time into 14 tackles, including three sacks, and a forced fumble, and he was expected to have a bigger role in 2024. However, Cimini notes Reddick, who's recorded no fewer than 11 sacks in four straight seasons, could eat into some of that projected playing time.
McDonald was the 15th overall pick out of Clemson a year ago, and he filled a modest role on defense consisting of 177 snaps. McDonald parlayed that playing time into 14 tackles, including three sacks, and a forced fumble, and he was expected to have a bigger role in 2024. However, Cimini notes Reddick, who's recorded no fewer than 11 sacks in four straight seasons, could eat into some of that projected playing time.
2023 Fantasy Outlook
McDonald was drafted 15th overall by the Jets in 2023, joining a deep defensive end rotation that also features Carl Lawson, John Franklin-Myers and 2022 first-round pick Jermaine Johnson. While McDonald could struggle in run support at just 240 pounds, he was a productive pass rusher at Iowa State, racking up 33.5 sacks over the past three years.
More Fantasy News
Gets first career sack
McDonald recorded a sack for his lone tackle in Sunday's 30-6 win over the Texans.
ANALYSIS
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Active for Week 11
McDonald (ankle) is active Sunday versus the Bills.
ANALYSIS
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Questionable due to ankle injury
McDonald (ankle) has been deemed questionable for Sunday's Week 11 matchup with the Bills.
ANALYSIS
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Limited on practice estimate
McDonald (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on the Jets' practice estimate Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Won't play Sunday night
McDonald (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
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