Early during NFL Draft week, the New York Jets finally landed Aaron Rodgers in New Jersey. Horrific quarterback play haunted the 2022 Jets, and was likely the sole reason they did not make the playoffs. With their quarterback situation now settled – at least for 2023 – the Jets were likely to turn to defence early during the 2023 NFL Draft. With only five selections overall in 2023, the Jets selected Will McDonald IV, an edge rusher from Iowa State with their first pick, number 15 overall. In McDonald, the Jets added another pass-rushing piece to an already young and potentially elite defence. Under Robert Saleh, the Jets have the potential to establish a top AFC defence filled with young all-stars.
New York Jets Add Will McDonald, Game-Wrecking Pass Rusher with Pick 15
"HEY GAME-WRECKER!"
We got @WILL_JUN1OR on the line 📞 pic.twitter.com/Lyt1BAiRfe
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 28, 2023
The New York Jets finished the 2022 season with a strong defensive performance. Statistically, the unit finished with the fourth least points allowed (316) and seventh most sacks (45) while blitzing only 14.9 percent of plays (least in the NFL). The Jets spent two of their three first-round picks in 2022 on defenders Sauce Gardner (cornerback) and Jermaine Johnson II (linebacker). Although Johnson did not contribute as much as desired, Gardner finished in the Pro-Bowl and as a first-team AP All-Pro member.
Head coach Robert Saleh, however, wants more and to build a young, elite defence. By selecting Will McDonald at number 15, Saleh got a dynamic pass rusher who, in the words of the Jets front office, can wreck games. He is an absolute workhorse who fights every single down. He can play from multiple slots on the defensive line, and can rush out of a three-point or two-point stance. McDonald will play in week one for the Jets, and can begin sacking passers immediately.
New York Jets have dynamic defensive edge
The New York Jets can begin to change the face of the AFC East, and the AFC as a whole, with the selection of Will McDonald. Another season from Jermaine Johnson will likely see him improve from his mere 2.5 sacks as well. McDonald adds a new flavour to the New York Jets defence, giving them a faster player who is more dynamic than Carl Lawson. McDonald and Lawson are likely to exchange time on the edge, keeping both fresher down the stretch of NFL games.
At Iowa State, McDonald played from multiple positions, giving him a certain advantage over slower offensive lineman. However, he is also slightly smaller (239 lbs at 6’4”), meaning he may be disadvantaged during running plays. Hence, the Jets might go for a more run-attacking linebacker or defensive lineman later in the NFL Draft. Regardless, McDonald offers a unique bend and attack that most other rookies do not have. The Jets have a unique talent who is certainly coachable at the next level.
The Jets defense has the chance to become an elite pass-rushing and pass-defense unit in 2023. With Aaron Rodgers now at the quarterback helm, the Jets have a chance to win the AFC East. Getting after opposing quarterbacks will be critical to getting the ball back in Rodgers hands so he can convert a productive defense into short-field scoring situations.
Main Image: Zach Boyden-Holmes / USA TODAY NETWORK
