Jets second-year defensive finish Will McDonald is aware of the task.
“Get extra sacks,” McDonald stated 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 aren’t combating for roster spots, there might not be one other Jet who has extra using 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 huge 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 may be a gap for an edge rusher that McDonald can fill.
The group 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 deal with Mason Brooks.
McDonald ended up getting flagged on the play for roughing the passer, nevertheless it regarded like a questionable name.
The official stated McDonald landed on Driskel together with his full physique weight.
Although 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 greater, stronger, quicker,” McDonald stated. “I’m higher at play recognition. Final yr, I used to be a rookie. I nonetheless was attempting to do what I wanted to do, however this offseason, I made certain that I did what I have to.”
The query coming into Yr 2 for the Jets and McDonald is how a lot he’ll see the sector. 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 taking part in time?
Many have talked about McDonald making a soar 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 stated. “I’ve all the time been the sort of participant. Final yr, we had lots 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 benefit from these. Folks all the time 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 may benefit from these.”
The Jets journey to Charlotte, N.C., this week for a joint observe Thursday with the Panthers earlier than taking part in them in a preseason sport on Saturday.
Will probably be one other large week for McDonald.
The Jets posted video of his efficiency in a joint observe towards the Commanders final week, highlighting how properly he performed.
McDonald now is aware of he wants to point out that in a sport.
“It was cool, however that’s observe,” McDonald stated. “In relation to sport time, that’s while you actually should go loopy. When the sport comes, that’s when you need to be a baller.”
