Will McDonald’s big offseason change is already paying off for the Jets

Will McDonald was one of the biggest standouts from the New York Jets’ first open OTA practice on Wednesday in more than one way. The third-year edge rusher reportedly put together a dominant showing, including a pair of sacks to end the full-team session.

It wasn’t just his performance that drew attention, though. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters after practice that McDonald has added roughly 15 pounds of muscle this offseason, a significant development for a player who has long faced questions about his size and physicality.

That added bulk could be the key to unlocking the next stage of his game. McDonald enters his third season with rising expectations after a breakout 10.5-sack campaign in 2024.

Despite the gaudy sack total, McDonald's effectiveness remained somewhat limited due to his shortcomings in the run game, something both he and the Jets hoped to improve entering 2025.

If Wednesday’s practice is any indication, McDonald may be well on his way to becoming a more complete player and an even bigger problem for opposing offenses.

Will McDonald is already dominating at NY Jets spring practices

According to SNY’s Connor Hughes, McDonald tallied an unofficial four sacks during the Jets’ first open-media OTA practice on Wednesday. It was a dominant showing all around from the 2023 first-round pick.

Of course, the pass-rush ability has never been the issue. McDonald finished the 2024 season with 10.5 sacks in a breakout sophomore campaign, flashing his elite first step and bendability off the edge.

But while his pass-rush acumen turned heads, his inability to hold up in the run game proved to be a glaring weakness. Among 69 qualified edge rushers (minimum 500 snaps), McDonald posted the lowest Pro Football Focus run defense grade in the NFL (39.5).

His missed-tackle rate of 34.4% also ranked dead last at his position. Simply put, McDonald wasn’t just a liability against the run — he was arguably the worst run defender at his position in football.

That’s why the 15 pounds of added bulk is so significant. McDonald has always had a thin frame, and his college tape at Iowa State raised similar concerns about his ability to anchor and set the edge.

If the weight gain helps him play with better strength and leverage, it could transform him from a situational speed rusher into an effective three-down player. The Jets need that transformation to happen sooner rather than later.

With Jermaine Johnson recovering from a torn Achilles and the rest of the edge group still unproven, McDonald is expected to take on an even larger role in 2025. His ability to stay on the field, not just on passing downs, could go a long way in determining the ceiling of the Jets' defense.

Will McDonald is bigger, stronger, and off to a fast start at Jets OTAs. If he can keep it up, he’ll be one of the most important pieces on the team's defense in 2025.

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