As is necessary, there’s a certain level of expectation that comes in a rookie season after being a first-round selection. Some players, such as C.J.
Stroud, Justin Herbert and Ja’Marr Chase, clear this bar in spectacular fashion. Others take time to meet their potential, even waiting on the bench until it’s their moment. The latter has been the case for New York Jets 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald IV.
The former Iowa State Cyclone projected as a fringe first-round talent but wound up being taken 15th overall. Many saw this as a reach by New York, but the Jets clearly saw something special in McDonald. Any glance at a stat sheet from his time in college could help someone understand exactly what they spotted.
Through five years at Iowa State, McDonald totaled an astounding 34 sacks. That’s the most in Cyclone history and is tied for the all-time record in the Big 12. He also tallied 125 tackles and 10 forced fumbles.
Despite his unmatched defensive presence, a five-year collegiate career is reason to pause for scouts. McDonald was already 24 when he took his first NFL snaps, but the Jets seemed to be in no rush. In fact, they pumped the brakes on the beginning of his pro career.
According to the Jets , McDonald played just 184 snaps in his rookie season. He was buried in a room full of top-tier edge rushers, including Jermaine Johnson and Bryce Huff. When he did see the field, though, he proved he was a first-round caliber player.
He ended his rookie season with .
