Reporting live from New York Jets HQ in Florham Park, NJ—New York Jets fans are never really happy with whatever draft selection the organization makes.

In some cases, the fans end up being right. Their animosity for the Kyle Brady selection over Warren Sapp was as correct then as it is now, for example. There are other times where the fanbase turns out to be dead wrong.

While careers aren’t made after two seasons, the backlash received by one of their most recent first-round picks appear to be another example of fans missing the mark.

After being labeled as a reach by some fans when he was taken 15th overall in 2023, Will McDonald is coming off an impressive 10-sack season for the Jets. He was one of the main bright spots on a five-win team in 2024.

Under new coaching, McDonald is looking to make an even bigger impact in 2025. And that new coaching is thrilled with what they have seen.

Steve Wilks, Jets Commend Will McDonald

If head coach Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks wanted to see McDonald’s commitment to the Jets, they got it at the very first practice.

Glenn reported last week that McDonald had gained over 15 pounds during the offseason. It is a sign that the Iowa State product wanted to bulk up to better fit the new defensive scheme – and improve his rather porous performance against the run.

Those improvements have shown out in OTAs. McDonald looks bigger than he has in recent years. He also appears stronger – a sign that he can be the kind of every-down edge rusher that comes with the expectations of being a first-round pick.

It’s not just evident to reporters, though. New York’s coaching staff, particularly Wilks, is thrilled with what they have seen out of McDonald.

“Will is phenomenal,” Wilks said. “He can get to the passer. Will is a lot more physical and stronger than what I anticipated and saw from afar as far as being able to be stout in the run game.

“There’s always that fluctuation with his weight and that’s something that he has to control with the strength staff, which we have a tremendous group of guys there, but his effort, his approach each and every day, I’m on board with him. I’m excited about what he can do and I’m looking forward to a great season from him.”

What would a great season for McDonald look like, though? Some fans and analysts would demand another 10-sack season. Others would sacrifice some sacks for a high pressure rate and better run defense grades.

In the end, all of those expectations are fair. With Jermaine Johnson coming off an Achilles injury, the Jets are relying on McDonald to be even better than he was in his sophomore season.

Part of that is rushing the passer, but it also involves stopping the run on early downs. McDonald has done the first part of that job. He had to get bigger and stronger.

Now, he has to take that new strength and apply it to the field.

McDonald has already proven millions of Jets fans wrong who didn’t want him being a first-round selection in 2023. He has a chance to make them all look foolish with another strong season in 2025.

Wilks appears ready to do whatever possible to help him along the way.