I've pulled back from obsessing about the Jets because of the dysfunctionality of the franchise. One thing I keep reading from my distant observation point is that Will McDonald had a great year, so that the ends next year will clearly be Johnson and McDonald. I'm hardly an expert, but every time I checked in on McDonald's play during 2024, he was getting rag-dolled with ease by just about every NFL tackle. He was particularly a complete joke as a run defender. So I wonder what people are seeing when they say the Jets are set at defensive end. To check if my fan's eye is completely off, I looked up McDonald's PFF grades: Pass Rush grade 73.9 (29th of 211 DE's); Run Defense grade 39.5 (205th of 211 DE's). Checking some 2023 after-draft ratings, I came across this evaluation/prediction in Walter Football: "Team sources said they felt McDonald is a terrible run defender who gets destroyed against the run too often. They noted that even against bad teams embarrassed him in the ground game. At sub 250 pounds, McDonald must get stronger for the NFL. He has to show more ability to hold his ground and not get pushed around. If McDonald could be just an average run defender, that would be a big improvement and make him a valuable starter in the passing-driven NFL." Might converting the defense to a 3-4 make McDonald more acceptable in run defense?
It's difficult for me to really weigh in on this, because I checked out for the second half of the year, but every time I gritted my teeth to watch a game he did not look like the kind of player who impacts a game. I think a lot of people see 10 sacks and think that magically makes someone a good player, or even an elite player, but I saw him flash the occasional play and not much more. He's still young, he can get better, but he didn't look like a great player to me. Yet.
He’s never going to be a good run defender. It’s an even bigger liability because him and Sauce both play on the same side. There isn’t really any “getting stronger” anymore for this guy to be able to play better against the run. He’s 26 at the start of the season in 2025. He’s a good situational pass rusher for sure though. 3-4 defense might help if he can take on tightends by himself.
Good point here too. 8/10.5 of his sacks came against teams that are in the top ten in sacks allowed. He’s not a useless piece by any stretch but I don’t think anyone watched the games this year and said we’re good we’re gonna get pressure because Will McDonald’s in there.
He's a good situational pass rusher. The problem is that he is only useful in situations where you are clearly going to rush the passer. If teams can run on you on first and second down, his role is severely diminished. He's not a starter; he's a good backup defensive end.
"Can never have enough depth at D Line" In the immortal words of draft guru Joe Douglas. Dope. Sure you can when the rest of the team is severely weak! Just an awful pick. McD is the most invisible 10 sack player ever.
I don't know how many exactly, but McDonald had quite a few sacks this year which were complete gimmies. Untouched on his way to the QB, QB runs into him trying to evade someone else, etc. Every DL gets some gimmie sacks, but it sure felt like McDonald had more than his fair share this year.
He's more suited to be a 3-4 end/LB. He's to small to hold his ground but he does have a good speed, and he never gives up on plays. Not worth his draft position but we all knew that at the time.
He had a decent year. If JJ comes back healthy next year, it might help him take the next step. He’ll probably never be a good enough run defender, but he could be an impactful situational pass rusher if we ever have a big enough lead to make the other team one dimensional … which basically never happened the last two years. A lot of these pass rushers pad their sack totals with big leads and / or 3rd and a mile.
With all things, surround good players around other good players, they will flourish. He’s a legit pass rusher, he was also forced to play way more on most downs and played alongside Kinlaw, Thomas and Clemons who really were net negatives. Basically him and Q were the only guys worth a damn on that line. for once get a fatty to clog the middle, another PR to make it difficult to double Q and just not fear McDonald. Even Reddick was a non factor. That line seriously needs a facelift.
This is the point of the year where we just trash everyone. People talking about gimmies I hope you took the time to watch every edges tape to account for their gimmies as well.
I thought he was one of our bright spots. To call him out for the run instead of our horrendous DT like Kinlaw and undersized LBs is a stretch. He has a good year. Stocks going up on him. Can’t say the same for a lot of players.
Idk from about Halloween on I was only passively watching this team so I didn’t watch him closely enough I’ll just say I don’t think 10 sacks is ever a bad season. He’s a weird kid though I get it. A new, better defensive coach SHOULD be able to figure out how to hide his weaknesses in the run game
Terrible use of a first round pick when you consider if may very well have been the first domino to fall that led to the dismantling of the D-line over the past offseason, which in turn was what in large part led to that debacle we just witnessed over the past four months.
He makes plays no one else in the league can make - like, ridiculous spin moves while bent over and falling down. Every now and then one of these "spin/falls" results in him tripping a QB's ankles or he gets his hand near the ball. So, he's a novelty. Worthy player, but probably not a 1st round talent unless he gets stronger. Sounds like i am criticizing him, but he showed more than I expected this year.
