Will McDonald shutting up Broderick Jones fanboys with nasty sack vs. Panthers

With Haason Reddick still refusing to report to the NY Jets, 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald has been thrust into the spotlight in what could end up being either a starring role or a 1-2 punch alongside Micheal Clemons. No matter what the situation, McDonald needs to start showing out, irrespective of what happens with Reddick.

Many criticized the Jets for taking McDonald 15th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Fans were upset that New York was unable to secure an offensive tackle like Broderick Jones, whom the Pittsburgh Steelers traded up for and selected one pick before the Jets. In both team's second preseason game, McDonald shined and Jones flopped.

McDonald beat Carolina Panthers tackle Ricky Lee using his trademark spin move and leveled quarterback Jack Plummer. While McDonald spent most of his time against Carolina causing havoc for opposing tackles, Jones was getting his butt kicked by Buffalo Bills edge rusher Greg Rousseau.

Jones was pushed aside like he was nothing against Buffalo, with his performance being described as a "nightmare" and "terrible." These comments echo what has been observed in practice. It seems like all the Jets fans who wanted Jones may look a bit foolish if McDonald keeps developing.

Will McDonald impresses Jets while Broderick Jones struggles

While many of the Jets' projected starters did not play in their second preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, McDonald was one of the few role players who suited up. While this may not be the best indication of his potential to start without Reddick, McDonald has done everything to show the Jets his pass-rush skills warrant more snaps.

Jones has been so worrying in the preseason that local media personalities in Pittsburgh are "worried" about his future. Even if McDonald doesn't set the world on fire, he is looking like a player who is taking steps in the right direction. Right now, Jones can't make that claim.

Not taking Jones seems to have worked out well for the Jets. Not only did they manage to sign Tyron Smith in free agency, but they added a new left tackle of the future with a superior prospect in Penn State's Olu Fashanu.

McDonald is slowly getting better, but there are some real improvements, even without bulking up. If the Jets traded up for Jones, and he performed like he did in this game, fans would be rioting outside the team's office.