{"id":952166,"date":"2026-07-22T05:58:11","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T05:58:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/952166\/"},"modified":"2026-07-22T05:58:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T05:58:11","slug":"jets-edge-will-mcdonald-iv-stud-pass-rushers-outlook-is-bright-as-no-3-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/952166\/","title":{"rendered":"Jets EDGE Will McDonald IV: Stud Pass Rusher’s Outlook Is Bright as No. 3 in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the start of this year’s Jets training camp looms, Will McDonald IV is entering the most important season of his career.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While the former 15th overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft has been the leader of the Jets\u2019 pass rush, this season is proving he can be a three-down edge rusher.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Over the last two seasons, McDonald has posted 18.5 sacks, establishing himself as the Jets\u2019 most productive pass-rusher. His explosiveness and ability to generate pressure have made him a priority for opposing teams to contain, but the next step for McDonald is becoming a great overall player<\/a>. Since New York picked up his fifth-year option, he\u2019ll have to display his progression in 2026 to earn a lucrative extension. \u00a0<\/p>\n

With expectations higher than ever, McDonald checks in at No. 3\u00a0on Jets OnSI\u2019s top-25 list<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Why is Will McDonald IV so important<\/p>\n

McDonald is New York\u2019s pass-rush. In the last two seasons, he\u2019s the only player on the team to record more than six sacks and has logged 18.5 of their 68 sacks.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Although he doesn\u2019t boast Pro Bowl-level numbers, he’s highly effective in this area. According to Pro Football Focus, McDonald earned a 71.0 pass-rush grade<\/a>, ranking 37th among 115 qualifying edge rushers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Will<\/p>\n

Will McDonald IV is the straw that stirs the drink in the Jets’ pass-rush unit. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Generating pressure is critical, and Jets didn\u2019t do much of that this past season, finishing with the second-fewest sacks (26). As a result, New York addressed this weakness in the offseason<\/a>, adding David Bailey, Kingsley Enagbare, and Joseph Ossai to the mix.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While the unit should improve in this area in 2026, McDonald remains the player they\u2019ll depend on to create consistent pressure on the edge.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Will McDonald IV\u2019s\u00a0 strengths and weaknesses<\/p>\n

Beyond his ability to rush the passer, one of McDonald\u2019s strengths is his athleticism. At the NFL Combine, McDonald clocked a 4.7-second 40-yard dash<\/a> and recorded an 11-foot broad jump.\u00a0These numbers are impressive for a player standing at 6-foot-3, 239 pounds and have played a factor in developing into the Jets\u2019 top pass-rusher.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Coming out of Iowa State, NFL.com\u2019s draft analyst Lance Zierlein noted McDonald as an \u201cexplosive, pliable edge talent,”<\/a> and that assessment has proven accurate so far.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Will McDonald IV’s fourth sack of the game comes on fourth down \ud83d\ude24<\/p>\n

CLEvsNYJ on CBS\/Paramount+https:\/\/t.co\/HkKw7uXVnt<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/EjisKzT89u<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NFL (@NFL) November 9, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Another area that Zierlein has proven to be right about is McDonald\u2019s run defense. While he\u2019s developed into a great pass-rusher, he still needs to improve as a run defender.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Last season, McDonald was charged with five missed run tackles, resulting in a 19.2% miss percentage, per PFF. He also earned a 41.6 run-defense grade, which ranked 112th among qualifying edge defenders.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Improving in this area should be a priority for McDonald, as he won\u2019t be rewarded with a rich extension if these numbers continue.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What happens if Will McDonald IV gets hurt<\/p>\n

While being without McDonald isn\u2019t ideal, New York wouldn\u2019t be in the worst position without him. The Jets would turn to Enagbare and Ossai to fill his void.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Although neither player is an upgrade over McDonald as a pass-rusher, they both offer solid contributions<\/a> in this area. Enagbare finished last season with two sacks and 16 hurries, while Ossai logged five sacks and 29 hurries.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Kingsley<\/p>\n

Former Packers DL Kingsley Enagbare (and Joseph Ossai) will help the Jets survive any potential absence by Will McDonald I next season. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Additionally, both players offer upside as run-defenders. The pair ranked in the top half of edge rushers in run stops, with Enagbare finishing with 15 and Ossai recording 13.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Again, losing McDonald would be a significant loss for the Jets\u2019 pass rush, but Enagbare and Ossai would do fine in his place.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why we ranked Will McDonald IV here<\/p>\n

In three seasons, McDonald has emerged as one of the most valuable components of New York\u2019s foundation. He\u2019s already established himself as a productive pass rusher and is now entering the prime years of his career.\u00a0<\/p>\n

At 27 years old, McDonald is just scratching the surface of his potential, as he\u2019s displayed signs of becoming a Pro Bowl-caliber defender. He just needs to put it all together and become the all-around edge defender that he\u2019s shown he\u2019s capable of.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If he can develop in this area, McDonald can evolve into one of the premier edge rushers in the league. With another productive season and by sharpening his skills as a three-down player, the Jets’ EDGE would not only strengthen his case to rank higher next season but also command a payday before he reaches free agency in the 2028 offseason<\/a>. <\/p>\n

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