Jets second-year defensive finish Will McDonald is aware of the task.
“Get extra sacks,” McDonald mentioned after the Jets beat the Commanders, 20-17, Saturday. “I’ve received to get some sacks. That’s the one factor that’s on my thoughts. Simply being that baller and impacting the sport each time I’m on the market.”
Of the gamers who will not be preventing for roster spots, there is probably not one other Jet who has extra driving on this coaching camp and preseason than McDonald.
The Jets took him with the No. 15 general choose in 2023, a choose that drew complaints from followers who wished an offensive lineman or large receiver on the spot.
McDonald performed sparingly as a rookie however did present flashes of the power that made him a first-round choose.
He completed the season with three sacks.
With Bryce Huff leaving for the Eagles in free company and the Jets buying and selling John Franklin-Myers to the Broncos, there’s a gap for an edge rusher that McDonald can fill.
The crew traded for Haason Reddick to assist fill that opening too, however he’s holding out, creating much more alternative for McDonald.
On Saturday, McDonald performed 12 snaps. He didn’t have a sack, however he did drill Commanders quarterback Jeff Driskel on one play after utilizing his signature spin transfer to beat sort out Mason Brooks.
McDonald ended up getting flagged on the play for roughing the passer, however it regarded like a questionable name.
The official mentioned McDonald landed on Driskel together with his full physique weight.
Though it ended up in a penalty, the play confirmed simply how explosive McDonald may be off the sting. McDonald is an athletic freak with the power to bend across the edge.
The Jets want he would have added extra weight to his body this offseason, however McDonald says he has gotten stronger.
“I’m larger, stronger, sooner,” McDonald mentioned. “I’m higher at play recognition. Final yr, I used to be a rookie. I nonetheless was making an attempt to do what I wanted to do, however this offseason, I made certain that I did what I must.”
The query coming into 12 months 2 for the Jets and McDonald is how a lot he’ll see the sphere. Jets coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich like to make use of a rotation on the defensive position.
Final season, the breakdown of snaps went like this: Jermaine Johnson 66 %, Franklin-Myers 55 %, Huff 42 %, Micheal Clemons 33 % and McDonald 16 %.
Johnson and Reddick determine to be the highest two edge rushers this season, however can McDonald rise up to Huff’s degree of enjoying time?
Many have talked about McDonald making a bounce this season. He feels he simply wants an opportunity.
“I don’t actually suppose I want a leap; I simply want some extra alternatives,” McDonald mentioned. “I’ve at all times been one of these participant. Final yr, we had loads of good guys within the room, I simply wasn’t in a position to get as a lot alternatives, however now this yr, I’m hoping to get these alternatives extra and simply make the most of these. Folks at all times say leap this and leap that, I don’t actually suppose I wanted to take a leap as a result of for one, I wasn’t a foul participant. I simply wanted extra alternatives so I might make the most of these.”
The Jets journey to Charlotte, N.C., this week for a joint apply Thursday with the Panthers earlier than enjoying them in a preseason sport on Saturday.
Will probably be one other massive week for McDonald.
The Jets posted video of his efficiency in a joint apply towards the Commanders final week, highlighting how nicely he performed.
McDonald now is aware of he wants to indicate that in a sport.
“It was cool, however that’s apply,” McDonald mentioned. “On the subject of sport time, that’s whenever you actually should go loopy. When the sport comes, that’s when you must be a baller.”
