DE Rankings: Will McDonald IV

As we review the DE rankings, players have had the opportunity to raise their stock and move up the rankings. Before we jump into Will McDonald, here’s a few reminders about the rankings themselves:

• The rankings will be updated throughout the season.
• Players who have not played college football are not eligible for the rankings.
• Players are graded on their college ability, not their pro potential.
• We are judging players on their film, production and physical tools.

You can view the College Football DE Rankings here.

Iowa State defensive end, Will McDonald began to make an impact in 2019 and has continued to improve his game since. McDonald has become more of a leader for the Iowa State defense and has not been slowed by the additional attention offenses are paying to him. In 2021, he totaled 36 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 5 fumbles forced and 3 pass breakups on the season. He is a star on the defensive line for the Cyclones and is one of the best in college football rushing the passer.

McDonald has the speed and quickness to rush the passer off the edge. He has a quick first step and is able to get a good jump on the snap. McDonald’s burst keeps blockers off balance and makes it difficult for them to get their hands on him early enough to negate his pass rush. He plays with good leverage, getting underneath blockers and has the bend to turn the corner and finish the play at the quarterback. McDonald’s athleticism allows him to be a consistent pressure threat and to chase down plays in the running game.

McDonald has good size at 6’4″ 245 lbs, and accentuates that with his length, which allows him to keep blockers from getting to his body. He has learned to use his length to counter inside off his speed rush and to help him disengage and make plays in the run game. McDonald has developed his ability to use his speed and frame together to make him a nightmare for offensive linemen. While the physical tools have always been impressive, McDonald has now shown the ability to utilize his entire toolkit at once.

Will McDonald has learned to tap into his physical potential and improved his game every year. He has the frame and athletic ability to terrorize the opposing quarterback off the edge. McDonald has added polish to his game and is now a more complete defensive end who can do damage in a variety of ways. His continued development has made him one of the most feared defensive ends in the country.

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