Will McDonald IV (Iowa State)
Measurements:
- Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 239 pounds
2022 Stats:
- 36 tackles
- 7.5 tackles for a loss
- 5 sacks
Will McDonald IV is a prospect who has been flying under the radar this draft season. He doesn’t get the hype or buzz of Lukas Van Ness, Nolan Smith, or even Keion White, but he’s every bit as good.
McDonald has a great blend of explosion, power, and just an overall will and desire to get to the quarterback. His best trait may be his violent hands that he uses to swat off blockers and free himself of their grasp. He also has one of the best spin moves in the entire class, which he used in college with great success.
McDonald’s detractors will point to him being a little undersized, noting that his 239 pounds are on the slight side. There are concerns he won’t be able to set the edge and be a force against the run. That will all come in time and with experience, but teams aren’t drafting McDonald for his run defense. With his 34 career sacks, he’s being drafted to get to the quarterback and get to him often.
Taking McDonald at pick No. 23 may be a hair early, but if the Vikings end up trading back into the late first or early second round, he’s definitely someone they could target.