Will McDonald’s film showcases why the New York Jets love his potential
Weeks, if not months before the 2023 NFL draft kicked off, New York Jets fans had an offensive tackle penciled in with the Jets’ first-round pick.
Fans established a “Big 3” early on between offensive tackles Peter Skoronski, Paris Johnson Jr. and Broderick Jones, while Darnell Wright slipped himself into the conversation later to form a “Big 4”.
Even better, fans assumed that surely four offensive tackles wouldn’t be off the board based on the “strength” of the cornerback, quarterback and defensive line classes. Even after the Aaron Rodgers trade pushed the Jets down from No. 13 to No. 15, fans were confident there was no way all four tackles would be gone before New York’s pick.
Unfortunately for fans, that was exactly the case. All of the “Big 4” offensive tackles were off of the board by the time New York came onto the clock at No. 15. At this point, most assumed the Jets would pivot to taking a defensive tackle or a wide receiver.
Wrong again. With the 15th pick of the 2023 NFL draft, the New York Jets selected defensive end Will McDonald IV.
It was an absolute shock to Jet fans, as the Jets are already loaded at edge rusher with the likes of Carl Lawson, John Franklin-Meyers, Jermaine Johnson, Bryce Huff and Micheal Clemons.
That’s a ton of investment into one position. But Joe Douglas was true to two of the regime’s mission statements: one being to build through the trenches and two being to always take the best player available.
On the newest edition of Blewett’s Blitz, we take a look at Will McDonald’s film to learn everything there is to know about him as a player. We’ll answer these pressing questions and much more:
- How does this pick make sense?
- Where does Will McDonald IV fit in the Jets’ defense?
- Is he even a scheme fit?
- How can he develop into a full-time player?
Plus, a full list of McDonald’s strengths and weaknesses is listed at the bottom of the page!
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Full member-only Will McDonald film breakdown + list of strengths/weaknesses
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Evening Joe,
Did this comment, from around 4/19, find its way to you?
Is Jet X becoming X Jets?
“Let’s break it down to a fine powder”
I became a member last year for the extensive film reviews that was being done on draft prospects, by the site owners, in the lead up to the 2022 NFL draft.
In addition, to film reviews of free agents the Jets signed, and of the Jet’s players from the previous season, in which the longer versions of all these reviews were exclusive to paying customers.
How many extensive film reviews on a players previous season, a 2023 signed free agent, or potential draft prospect have been published on this site in 2023?
Where is the content that we’re supposed to be paying for that is exclusive?
If that is the case, I may be at fault for you having to do film breakdowns this year.
However, though my comment was negative in nature, it also showed how much I appreciated your efforts.
I watched everyone last year, and finished this one today. I just like the way you teach the verbiage and intricacies that goes into playing the sport or position. I am analytical by nature, and though others do it on YouTube, I prefer the in depth analysis and video footage you provide.
Just know your efforts are never wasted, as I will probably watch everyone you plan to put out this season.
As Lizzo would say, “It’s About Damn Time!”,
I have been waiting since late March/April for them, and got impatient.
I just wanted to say “Thank You!”
Enjoy your week!
Hey man! Got delayed this year due to Rodgers being waited on so I did a TON of prep for other reviews. Just posted a Rodgers review as well (part 1 of 4).
Expect multiple reviews going forward as most of them are ready, just need to be recorded.
You will get every one of these players-
Sauce x2
Tippmann
Lazard
Warren
Clark
Rodgers (4 parts)
Izzy
Hardman
Barnes
Jefferson
Converse
Q
Kuntz
Woods
Cobb
Turner
AVT
Hall
Wilson (2 parts)
Schweitzer
Cajuste
Colon
Floated***
And I genuinely appreciate that a part of the reason you pay for Jet X are the film breakdowns. Those are the people that I grind out the reviews for. Greatly appreciated.
McDonald reminds me so much of Jason Taylor. What a career he had, of course ending up in the HOF. I’m not putting McDonald in Canton, lol, I’m just saying I’m hugely excited to see him on the field. He looks a lot better than our last FRP DE Jermaine Johnson.
PUT HIM IN CANTON
No way this pick made sense. But the mistake resulted from Woody’s or Joe D’s panicked urgency to make a deal. They could have waited for after the first round to make a deal. Then this problem wouldn’t have happened. We gave the Pack our first round pick in 2024, without the assurance Rodgers would even play for us next year.
This brain trust is SOJ. If this OL is not good this year, it is on the lack of any brain trust.
I would love to have read the articles about Jordan Love had we waited longer. Both teams needed the trade. Only one team was stupid.
Yup, I agree, the Jets FO bungled away any leverage they had. That being said, I’m 100% psyched for this season! JD has done a much, much, better job of adding OL depth unlike last year. The complete lack of OL depth killed 2022 (and literally almost killed Mike White).
Can’t wait!!
Definitely a good time for the reviews to start dropping. OTA tweets and tabloid drama was about to finish us all off. Think you’re idea of having some comparison plays in there to show good vs bad technique is a great idea for us to get some more context. Load of extra work for you though!
Have a TON coming!
Here is the list!
Sauce (2 parts)
Tippmann
Lazard
Warren
Clark
Rodgers (4 parts)
Izzy
Hardman
Barnes
Jefferson
Converse
Q
Kuntz
Woods
Cobb
Turner
AVT
Hall
Wilson (2 parts)
Schweitzer
Cajuste
Colon