The Jets made a somewhat surprising pick during the first round of this year's draft when they took Iowa State edge rusher Will McDonald IV with the 15th pick. McDonald is a supremely talented athlete with major upside, but he does face a unique transition toward the NFL because he played a bit of an unorthodox position in college.
FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Will McDonald IV #99 of the New York Jets is pursued by Jermaine Johnson #52 during the teams OTAs at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on May 31, 2023 in Florham Park, New Jersey. The Jets made a somewhat surprising pick during the first round of this year's draft when they took Iowa State edge rusher Will McDonald IV with the 15th pick.
With Thomas’ size, there was an idea that he might be able to survive on the interior and play an inside-outside role in the NFL. McDonald can’t do that at his weight, but having Thomas on the roster gives McDonald someone who has done what he’s attempting to do. Thomas noted some specific talking points he’s tried to use to help ease McDonald’s early transition to the NFL. What better person to talk to than someone who had to do it himself?
It’s early in the process, but McDonald is getting rave reviews from not only Thomas, but Jets head coach Robert Saleh as well. Saleh has been a clear believer in stacking up on defensive line talent going back to his days with the 49ers — his first year as defensive coordinator, San Francisco drafted Thomas — and McDonald has a chance to flash in a scheme that’s going to cut him loose and try to allow him to make plays.
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