Jets' 2023 first-rounder still looking to become a starter

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 three sacks, four tackles for loss, 14 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He was one of just seven Jets to record at least three sacks despite his severe lack of playing time as compared to the rest.

The Jets lost Huff to the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, but the spot was quickly filled by free agent Haason Reddick, who left the Eagles. The expiration of Carl Lawson’s contract also freed up room in New York’s defensive end lineup, though Lawson saw minimal field time in 2023.

With Johnson and Reddick set to start, the outlook for McDonald’s season looks grim yet again. That is, until you consider what head coach Robert Saleh has in mind. 

“If he attacks the offseason in the way Jermaine (Johnson) attacked his offseason, Will McDonald is going to be a superstar in this league,” Saleh said, per a story published on the team's website.

It’s a bold claim from the man who decides which Jets will see the field in the 2024 season. Matching Johnson’s progression is easier said than done, but McDonald has proven he has the talent.

Given his age, McDonald can't be expected to sit around and wait for much longer. The Jets had a plan in mind when they took him higher than anyone expected, and it will likely play out soon. Whether that will be this season or further down the line remains to be seen.