2025 Defense Stats
TCKL
28
SACKS
10.5
INT
0
FF
2
TD
0
Rest-of-Season Projections
2025 Fantasy Outlook
McDonald broke out with 10.5 sacks in 2024 after posting only 3.0 sacks as a rookie. He's already an excellent pass rusher, but the 2023 first-round pick out of Iowa State needs to beef up his run defense to earn a consistent three-down role. McDonald, who is listed at 6-4 and 236 pounds, reportedly added 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason to alleviate concerns of being undersized for a defensive end. Read Past Outlooks
Signed a four-year, $16.32 million contract with the Jets in July of 2023.
Absent from first injury report
McDonald (knee) isn't included on Wednesday's injury report, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com report.
ANALYSIS
McDonald missed New York's final two preseason contests due to a knee issue, but he appears to now be clear of the issue. The third-year defensive end thus seems to be in line to suit up Week 1 versus the Steelers. McDonald will be tasked with spearheading the Jets' pass rush after leading the team with 10.5 sacks last year.
McDonald missed New York's final two preseason contests due to a knee issue, but he appears to now be clear of the issue. The third-year defensive end thus seems to be in line to suit up Week 1 versus the Steelers. McDonald will be tasked with spearheading the Jets' pass rush after leading the team with 10.5 sacks last year.
NFL Stats
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2024 NFL Game Log
2024
2023
2024 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
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2025 Will McDonald Split Stats
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Measurables Review
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How do Will McDonald's measurables compare to other defensive ends?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
* The 40-Yard Dash, Shuttle Time, and Cone Drill metrics are from his Pro Day. All others are from the NFL Combine.
Height
6' 4"Weight
251 lbs40-Yard Dash*
4.69 secShuttle Time*
4.22 secCone Drill*
6.85 secVertical Jump
36.0 inBroad Jump
132 inBench Press
0 repsHand Length
9.50 inArm Length
34.88 in
Past Fantasy Outlooks
2024
2023
McDonald was brought along slowly in his rookie year after being drafted 15th overall in 2023, posting 3.0 sacks in a part-time role. The speedy pass rusher is expected to see an uptick in playing time in his second NFL season, though McDonald's slender 241-pound frame suggests he could struggle in run support and is thus best suited for a situational role.
More Fantasy News
Dealing with knee issue
McDonald didn't play in Saturday's preseason game against the Giants due to a knee injury, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
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Logs one tackle in preseason win
McDonald (back spasms) tallied one tackle during Saturday's 30-10 preseason win over the Packers.
ANALYSIS
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Leaves practice early
McDonald (back spasms) left practice early Tuesday, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.
ANALYSIS
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Puts on weight
Head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters Wednesday that McDonald added 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason, Connor Hughes of SNY.tv reports.
ANALYSIS
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Breaks out in second season
McDonald posted 28 total tackles (18 solo), including 10.5 sacks, three passes defended and two forced fumbles across 17 games in 2024.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Added 15 pounds in offseason
McDonald added 15 pounds of muscle to his frame in the offseason, per Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic.
ANALYSIS
The biggest knock on McDonald coming out of Iowa State was that he's undersized, and the added muscle could help improve his ability to defend the run. McDonald, who was previously listed at 251 pounds, had 10.5 sacks in 2024. Rounding out his skill set to complement his pass rushing prowess could help the 2023 first-round pick excel in a three-down role moving forward rather than thriving only in obvious passing situations.
The biggest knock on McDonald coming out of Iowa State was that he's undersized, and the added muscle could help improve his ability to defend the run. McDonald, who was previously listed at 251 pounds, had 10.5 sacks in 2024. Rounding out his skill set to complement his pass rushing prowess could help the 2023 first-round pick excel in a three-down role moving forward rather than thriving only in obvious passing situations.