Athletic Profile
Height: 6035
Weight: 239
Arm Length: 34 7/8”
40 Time: 4.70
10 Yard Split: 1.63
Vertical: 36”
Broad Jump: 1100
3-Cone: 6.85
Shuttle: 4.22
Relative Athletic Score: 9.67
* Indicates Recorded At Pro Day
Statistics
2022: 25 PRESSURES / 6 SCK / 24 RSTOP
2021: 45 PRESSURES / 13 SK / 25 RSTOP
Pros
Burst
Footwork
Bend
Production
Speed
Nose for the Ball
Cons
Strength
Versatility
Run Defense
Age
Hand Counters
Summary
Will McDonald IV has been one of the most productive pass rushers in the Big 12 over the last three years. His speed and bend off the edge has made him one of the toughest defenders to contain in the conference over that time span. McDonald is on the older side for a prospect, he will be 24 by the beginning of next season, but with that comes high level production and experience. McDonald’s appeal all stems from his athleticism and burst off the edge. Possessing a violent first step and quick hands he is a slippery player when rushing the passer. His ability to flip his hips at the top of his rush and turn the corner is the type of stuff that makes scouts drool. Currently he primarily wins with speed rushes off the edge, his hands while quick lack power and accuracy. Not known for being a power rusher, he does convert speed to power fairly well and can use his length to keep bigger lineman at bay. McDonald has some sweet footwork out in space, allowing him to change direction while losing minimal speed. If his agility and quickness are not enough to win initially, his rushes stall as he lacks a secondary move that plays off his speed. At the Senior Bowl McDonald flashed a much improved spin move from what was on tape and could be the key to unlocking his full pass rush potential. He will need to continue to add counters to his moves to avoid becoming predictable at the next level. McDonald’s evaluation is distorted to some extent as Iowa State largely played him out of position as a 5T/4i instead of the 3-4 OLB he will be at the next level. This put him in tough positions as a run defender, where his 241 lb. frame could not stand up to the power of offensive lineman. However, scheme is not the only reason he struggles as a run defender, poor leverage and a tendency to chase plays often leaves him out of position. McDonald will have a lot of fans given his first step quickness and ability to turn the corner. His athletic traits and experience should make him an immediate impact rusher, especially when he moves to his proper position. Some teams will have valid concerns about his age and ability to be a 3 down starter at his size but his pass rush acumen in a spread out, pass heavy NFL is more valuable than ever. McDonald should see his name called early on Day 2 of the draft if not Day 1 for a team looking to add some juice to their pass rush.
Grade: 6.35 - Mid to Late Second Round Grade (Potential Starter)
Games Watched: Kansas State (2021), Baylor (2022), TCU (2022), Kansas State (2022), Texas (2022)
Pro Comp: Boye Mafe