This is from PFF’s top 10 edge rushers of the 2023 NFL draft list, which Will is #9.
I’ve seen this multiple places now. Most experts feel like he was grossly misused, especially last year.
Seems most draft pundits are critical of our usage of Will McDonald last year:
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This is from PFF’s top 10 edge rushers of the 2023 NFL draft list, which Will is #9.
I’ve seen this multiple places now. Most experts feel like he was grossly misused, especially last year.
What would have been a better position/situation for him?
OLB in a 3-4 defense, but that is not how our defense works.
I think the implication from the writer is he’d done better as a traditional 4-3 edge rusher.
This is true. McDonald is NOT a DE in a 3-4 scheme. He might, and I stress might, be a weakside DE in a 4-3 scheme.
He needs to be a LB in the NFL IMO, but supposedly the coaching staff at ISU felt he couldn't cover anyone.
We did not use him right at all though.
He needs to be a LB in the NFL IMO, but supposedly the coaching staff at ISU felt he couldn't cover anyone.
We did not use him right at all though.
That would have been much better for him.... but an OLB in a 3-4 would even be better.
bend-but-don't-win defense.
Others have pointed out how we were almost toyed with defensively....when opposing teams had to score, they did so. Almost eerie how they would after we somehow mustered a play to score or get a lead, it was immediately answered by opponents scores.
Others have pointed out how we were almost toyed with defensively....when opposing teams had to score, they did so. Almost eerie how they would after we somehow mustered a play to score or get a lead, it was immediately answered by opponents scores.
Yeah, our top 10 defense really was a mess.
So you think that other teams weren’t concerned about scoring when they wanted to. They only tried when we would score, otherwise they just took naps? This might be the dumbest take I have ever seen
Any team that takes him will have him start off as a pass rush specialist. Come in on 2nd and long and 3rd down passing situations. As he continues to learn the game, learn the game at the NFL level and develop his body, he will grow into more than just a pass specialist.
Defense of course was NOT the issue last year and nobody would argue that.
At the same time, slamming a 230 lb Will McDonald against two offensive lineman in a 3-3 front, maybe not the best usage for him though. That is what the writer is getting at and I agree.
We did not create enough pressure on the QB in certain games to get more picks, see Kansas State, Baylor, Oklahoma St, and TX.
I think in reality the defense heacock runs showcases linebackers and secondary guys better. It's also tough to argue with Heacock's results.
Yep...they only scored after we scored...conspiracy. Good grief, don't be a doucher. This is a sports board. Hyperbole is allowed.
Did you watch the Texas game? Texas Tech?
Go to the super fan board.
This isn't necessarily and unfair take. However, I'm sure NFL scouts are pretty good at watching his performance and making a judgement on how it translates to their teams.
It was a good defense stats wise but was not very disruptive and struggled if teams upped their tempoand put them on skates.
Ultimately, Will missed Enyi last year for sure. Enyi freed Will to do his thing despite the scheme.
I think he should be used a lot like the Packers used Clay Matthews in kind of a hybrid type position
Will didnt get a lot of sacks this year because teams double and triple teamed him, which benefited MJ Anderson. Last two years Will played the same position and got double-digit sacks so he seemd to do just fine in the scheme.
I'm excited for #52 Joey Peterson next year. Whenever he seemed to get into the game, I felt something good happened - him nearly getting a sack, creating pressure, making the qb uncomfortable, etc
In very limited reps this year he had 15 tackles, 1 forced fumble and 1 sack.
Teams doubled or tripled him and some plays we dropped him in coverage and they had 2 or 3 OL standing around. Might not have showcased him, but put the team at an advantage as evidenced by our great team defense.