One of the worst-kept secrets in this year’s NFL Draft is that the New York Jets were likely going to be targeting an offensive lineman with their first-round pick. Even after swapping first-round selections with the Packers, New York appeared to be in a prime position to land Georgia’s Broderick Jones.
That was until the Steelers elected to leapfrog Gang Green and make a draft-day deal with the Patriots. Naturally, the Patriots weren’t looking to do the Jets any favors and were still able to land the player they sought after at No. 17. The Steelers selected Jones, and with three other offensive linemen already off the board, the Jets had to turn elsewhere.
To the surprise of many, the Jets selected Iowa State’s Will McDonald IV with the 15th pick. McDonald was viewed by many in the draft industry to be a borderline first-round pick, but, NFL teams, including the Jets, viewed him in a different light. With the Jets going all in on Aaron Rodgers, the decision to select McDonald was that much more of a peculiar pick, when considering the depth Gang Green already has at the pass-rusher position.
Those in the NFL world had mixed reactions to the shocking Jets move on social media:
The Jets with a lead is going to be a real issue for teams to try and block Q, JFM, Bryce Huff, Q Jeff, Jermaine Johnson, Carl Lawson, Micheal Clemons and Will McDonald with their ears pinned back and fresh legs https://t.co/ZSgCZSJkpB
— Will Parkinson (@Willpa11) April 28, 2023
So after sleeping on it, I’m confident Will McDonald will be a good player. I trust Saleh with pass rushers. My issues are he will probably only play 20-30% of the snaps this year and we put ourselves in a position with the pick swap that the Patriots could screw us, and they did
— Bryan (@BryanOreally) April 28, 2023
This feels a lot like when the #Jets drafted Bryan Thomas. A very good player. Fits the defense and is a metric freak but just feels like whatever. Slight let down after yesterday’s magic show with Rodgers.
— Drew (@DrewfromJersey) April 28, 2023
I don’t know anything about Will McDonald IV, but I’m going to trust the GM that drafted the OROY and DROY instead of draft analysts/fans on Twitter.
— Mike Nash (@MikeNash15) April 28, 2023
Instant Will McDonald reaction-
Total surprise, but I can understand it.
Jets love pass rushers, and McDonald brings a ton of juice. Also plays with the effort and strain Saleh covets.
I probably would’ve leaned JSN, but McDonald is gonna be fun to watch.
— Andrew Golden (@andrewgolden_17) April 28, 2023
my only draft takes are that premium picks should be spent on premium positions and premium athletes as much as possible. edge a premium position and this mcdonald kid a premium athlete so i’m cool. also, aaron rodgers is a jet. sleeping well.
— x-maybe: xavier (playoff knicks enjoyer) (@couldbexav) April 28, 2023
Jets take Will McDonald IV #15
Top 5 defense in football, and they add this guy?!
He’s as long as it gets. Maybe the best pound-for-pound strength in the draft.
He’s Leonard Floyd with better pass rush ability.— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) April 28, 2023
Welcome to New York Will McDonald, here’s him murdering Darnell Wright
— NYJ Matt (@NYJ_Matt) April 28, 2023
Will McDonald IV is a reach at 15, according to the Draft Day Predictor.
Here's what the model thought his chance to be available was at the time the Jets were on the clock. Note, the chart starts at 22 because it didn't consider his range to begin until around then. pic.twitter.com/qMdseD8w1X
— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) April 28, 2023
About Sam Neumann
Since the beginning of 2023, Sam has been a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. A 2021 graduate of Temple University, Sam is a Charlotte native, who currently calls Greenville, South Carolina his home. He also has a love/hate relationship with the New York Mets and Jets.