Kansas City, Mo. (WFAN/WGR 550) - The New York Jets made a surprise move with the 15th overall pick at the 2023 NFL Draft, taking edge rusher Will McDonald IV from Iowa State University.
New York’s 15th pick, originally a 13th pick until the Aaron Rodgers trade, was widely expected to be used for an offensive lineman to protect their new starting quarterback. Instead, they beef up a defense that took a tremendous leap last season.
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McDonald was a menace in opposing backfields in the Big 12 during his college career, posting a 90.2 pass rush grade since 2021, per Pro Football Focus. In five seasons with the Cyclones, McDonald accumulated 125 total tackles, 40.5 tackles for loss, 34 sacks and 10 forced fumbles.
The pick is the first time an Iowa State player has been taken in the first round since 1973, which was the longest drought in the nation by a Power 5 team.
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