Overview

Position: EDGE

College: Iowa State

Class: Senior (RS)

Age: 23

Measurables

Height: 6’3 5/8”

Weight: 239 lbs.

Arm length: 34 7/8”

Hand size: 9 1/2″

Athletic testing

40-yard dash: N/A

10-yard split: N/A

Vertical jump: 36.0”

Broad jump: 132.0”

Bench press: N/A

3-cone drill: N/A

Short shuttle: N/A

Strengths

Extremely fluid edge defender. Phenomenal length. Active hand with an ability to contort his body. Terrific bend and ability to flatten to the quarterback. Plays with tremendous balance. Uses shake to beat blockers. Possesses a very quick and effective spin move from either side and in either direction. Exceptional speed rush. Quick inside move and will use a swipe. Has shown some power on bull rushes. Combination of wingspan and athleticism can be disruptive while in pursuit towards the quarterback. Fast and rangy in pursuit. Very reliable tackler that gets down ball-carriers when he gets his hands on them. Plus play recognition and reaction time playing the run. Hands are quick and strong to shed. Brings physicality to engage and extend tight ends off him. Excellent hustle. Held up when shaded inside as a four-technique in short-yardage situations. Has experience with underneath zone drops. Extremely productive with 33.0 sacks over the past four seasons.

Weaknesses

Thinner overall build. Doesn’t project to be a standout run defender. Gets sealed off at the point of attack. Will be moved off the ball versus double teams. Can get sucked inside trying to set the edge.

NFL comparison

Randy Gregory

Conclusion

Overall, McDonald is a fluid and productive edge defender that should immediately provide value in passing situations. Teams looking to add juice to their pass rush should target him for any defensive scheme.

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: EDGE Will McDonald IV