NFL Draft 2023 Scouting Report: DE Will McDonald, lowa State. Started his college career as a linebacker, switching roles as the 2019 season progressed. Since 2020, player on Iowa State's starting lineup. Was named to the Big 12 All-Star Team for three consecutive seasons, claiming the NCAA's Best Defensive end Award. In 2021, co-recipient of the award for best linebacker in the Big 12. Holder of the program record for most sacks in a season and career.
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 236 lbs
40 time: —
Will McDonald Stats
36 tackles (7.5 with loss of yards), 5 sacks, forced fumble
Will McDonald Scouting Report: Strenghts
- Very athletic, his backflips and car jumps videos have been shared multiple times on social media
- agilel
- good arm work
- technical
- creative
- quick to react to changing situations on the field
Related: NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mazi Smith, Michigan
Will McDonald Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Very often seeks to break into the backfield, leaving opposing running backs unattended
- lacks distance speed
- does not always control where the ball is located when playing against the out
Will McDonald Scouting Report: Summary
Defensive end with very big game experience, played more than 50 games in his career. He peaked in 2020 and 2021, but his role on the team changed several times during the last season and he was less noticeable. In the pass rush tends to act through the starting burst and mobility, although in this aspect he has room to grow. He played against the runout as well in the defensive tackle position but lacked punching power to succeed on the line of scrimmage. McDonald has enough potential to develop, although by today's standards he is quite an age player, he will turn 24 in the summer.
