New York Jets: Quick 2nd-Year Defensive End Slated to Have Breakout 2024 Season

While the New York Jets may not have a premier rusher with Haason Reddick out, but another player has become eager to step into his role.

Second-year defensive end Will McDonald IV managed to crack the rotation last season and participated in 15 games for the Jets. McDonald IV had a solid rookie campaign despite averaging just 14 snaps per game last season. Heading into his second season with the Jets, McDonald IV seems primed to breakout as he has taken steps forward and put in the necessary work.

New York Jets Defensive End Will McDonald IV Primed For Dynamic Breakout Season

During his rookie season of play, expectations were not set super high for defensive end Will McDonald IV as he took time to adjust. However, in incredibly limited playing time throughout the season, the rookie earned a role as a rotation defense end.

McDonald IV recorded 14 total tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble in 183 total snaps on defense. McDonald IV primarily played in pass situations, with 99 of his snaps coming as a pass rusher against opposing offenses. The defensive end had his best all-around performance against the Los Angeles Chargers where he recorded a sack, two tackles, and a hurry.

The defensive end has solidified himself as a sure-tackler and a pass-rush specialist as well, which will likely earn him extra playing time this season. The Jets obviously are in a weird situation given Reddick potentially not playing, which could also open a door for McDonald IV to succeed this season.

McDonald IV Possesses a Combination of Speed, Power Necessary to Succeed

When it comes to what makes McDonald IV a skilled defensive end, power and speed are what truly allow McDonald IV to perform. The defensive end has the speed to fully commit himself to work inside before bouncing back to the outside of the offensive lineman. McDonald IV is fast enough and agile enough to make plays that may appear to seem out of his reach.

The speed of McDonald IV turns him into a whole different player, allowing him to work the outside and the inside with great success. Along with his speed, McDonald IV possesses great power that allows for him to extend the play for himself. A blocker cannot just slide in front of McDonald IV and block him for the remainder of the play because he will blow through the blocker when necessary.

Something McDonald IV possesses as well that just cannot be taught is his high-motor style of play. Fellow defensive end Micheal Clemons is also known for being persistent, but McDonald IV is a more controlled player. McDonald IV knows when to continue fighting through the block and also knows when to disengage and follow the football.

Can McDonald IV Breakout With or Without Haason Reddick?

Obviously, Reddick playing or not this season for the Jets means a lot more to the team than just production on the field. With Reddick in the picture, it might be hard for Will McDonald IV to receive a great number of snaps regardless of the constant rotations New York utilizes. Reddick also excels as a pass rusher, which happens to be what McDonald IV is also skilled at, and thus plays the majority of passing situations.

Without Reddick on the team, however, McDonald IV would be relied on much more heavily which could provide an avenue for the defender to break out. McDonald IV in particular succeeds in the pass rush and showed plenty of promise as a pass rusher last season.

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