Jets DE Will McDonald IV has elite potential: Film Breakdown
In this film breakdown, we take a look at New York Jets rookie DE Will McDonald IV, who has been one of the most impressive rookies thus far in the preseason.
The Jets DL, Will McDonald included, has been virtually unblockable the last few weeks, and McDonald has stood out amongst that group.
Selected at 15th overall in the 2023 draft, Will McDonald wreaked havoc during his five years at Iowa State. A great NFL Combine performance paired with his statistically strong and lengthy career was beyond enough to turn the heads of the New York Jets.
McDonald is standing out as a force on the edge, and with young talent already in abundance for the New York Jets we can expect a bright future for this young team.
Jets DL Will McDonald IV Film Breakdown
Disclaimer: The following is a transcript of a YouTube video titled “Jets DE Will McDonald IV Has Elite Potential: Film Breakdown ” The content is for informational purposes only and was originally presented in video format.
McDonald has stood out as one of the more impressive rookie defenders during the preseason. The entire defensive front of the Jets has been nearly impossible to block, but McDonald's athleticism and pass-rushing skills have truly shone.
Over the course of 72 snaps, equivalent to a full game, he has managed to record seven pressures and a sack. His signature move is the inside Spin, and if he can refine his hand placement and footwork, he could develop one of the NFL's top spin moves.
With his explosive first step, he poses a threat to the high side and can disrupt the balance of the tackle. His fluidity allows him to execute quick spins and target the inside shoulder effectively.
Furthermore, his remarkable length aids him in completing the spin move and preventing the tackle's recovery. A key technique he employs is the cross chop, using a downward strike with his inside hand across his body to draw out a two-hand punch from the tackle.
This sets the stage for his spin move through the B Gap, which he follows up with an ice pick technique, propelling himself toward the quarterback. The effectiveness of this move is enhanced when the tackle takes a wide set in response to the fake chop and offers no resistance to the inside spin.
A successful example occurred against Carolina when he exploited the B Gap, effectively countering the tackle's attempts to block.Notably, younger pass rushers may struggle with executing the inside spin against independent hand usage by tackles.
However, McDonald's play strength enables him to power through and apply pressure. In another instance, he managed to overcome the tackle's defensive positioning and reach the backfield.
McDonald's pass-rushing repertoire includes an outside spin move, which he deploys situationally. This maneuver allows him to exploit unoccupied spaces between the guard and tackle.
An example showcased him faking a cross chop and spinning to the outside, demonstrating his adaptability in adjusting his strategy mid-rush.
To ensure his spin move remains effective against high-quality NFL competition, McDonald must incorporate a speed rush that commands respect from tackles. His explosiveness and bend could suffice in specific matchups, and his speed rip technique has been successful in getting around the edge for sacks.
Looking ahead, McDonald's rookie season is expected to cast him primarily as a designated pass rusher. The Jets' deep edge depth will likely keep him off the field during running plays, given his current size-related limitations.
Although his size might pose a challenge, many edge rushers of similar builds are adept run defenders; McDonald can enhance his skills in this area through improved hand placement and technique.
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