Amidst a turbulent 3-6 start to the New York Jets’ 2024 season, a bright spot is emerging from the shadows of controversy. Will McDonald IV, the Jets’ surprising 15th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is proving his worth and then some in his second year.
From Draft Day Doubt to Dominant Force
When Jets GM Joe Douglas selected McDonald, a somewhat unheralded edge rusher out of Iowa State, with their first-round pick, the move was met with skepticism and even derision. Most pundits expected the Jets to prioritize offensive line help for their young QB, especially after missing out on top tackle prospect Broderick Jones to the Steelers one pick earlier.
But now, halfway through his sophomore campaign, McDonald is making Douglas look like a genius. The explosive pass rusher ranks 3rd in the NFL in sacks (8.0), 5th in QB pressures (41), and 3rd in pressure rate (20.2%) according to Next Gen Stats. He’s been a one-man wrecking crew, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks on a weekly basis.
“The truth is coming out,” said Jets defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton. “This guy was made to play in this front.”
An Offseason of Hard Work Pays Off
McDonald’s ascent is no accident. The 6’4″ edge rusher reportedly took his preparation to another level this offseason, hiring a personal chef and training diligently to pack muscle onto his lean frame. Drafted at 236 pounds, he now tips the scales in the high 240s, and it shows in his explosive power off the edge.
That dedication is translating to game-changing production. McDonald became the Jets’ top pass rushing option after 2022 first-rounder Jermaine Johnson went down in Week 2 with a season-ending Achilles injury. He’s embraced the role and then some.
Justifying a Controversial Pick
While McDonald’s emergence is a much-needed positive for Gang Green, it may be too little, too late to save Douglas’ job. The embattled GM is facing intense scrutiny with the Jets’ floundering at 3-6, just a year after making the splashy trade for future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers.
But if Douglas is on his way out, he can take solace in this: he absolutely nailed the McDonald pick. According to inside sources, Douglas had the Iowa State product ranked ahead of the more heralded Jones on the Jets’ draft board. It was a gamble, but it’s paying off in spades.
“In reality, Douglas always preferred McDonald over Jones,” a source familiar with the Jets’ thinking said.
A Silver Lining in a Stormy Season
As the losses mount and frustration builds, Jets fans can at least find excitement in watching McDonald’s star rise. He’s quickly establishing himself as one of the most dynamic young defensive players in football. Along with cornerback Sauce Gardner, the Jets suddenly have the makings of a special defense for years to come.
The 2024 season may ultimately be viewed as a massive disappointment for the Jets, one that likely spells the end of the Joe Douglas era. But if the GM is headed out the door, he’ll do so knowing his most controversial draft pick was also his best. Will McDonald is for real, and he’s just getting started.
