The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets will face off in a Sunday Night Football showdown later this week.
This will be a match-up between two teams playing well defensively. The difference is that the Raiders were able to find a spark offensively in their last game, whereas the Jets have not been able to find a consistent one this season.
The Jets have leaned on their defense this season, though, as they have several players on that side of the ball who can make a significant impact on the game.
One player who has not yet made his mark but has the talent to do so is rookie defensive end Will McDonald IV. On a talented and crowded defensive line, McDonald has to work his way into more snaps.
The Jets selected McDonald with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Iowa State. This was a bit of a surprise, as McDonald was widely viewed as a late first-round talent or a second-round talent.
He was a talented prospect, however, and he landed a spot with Coach Robert Saleh, who gave him the best chance to develop his talents, as Saleh had developed pass rushers throughout his time as a defensive coach.
Statistically, McDonald has not made a massive impact this season, with just three tackles, a forced fumble, and half a sack. However, he is an explosive athlete off the edge with a good arsenal of pass-rush moves, which the Jets can deploy in speed packages if they choose to do so.
McDonald is a tall, thin player at defensive end at 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds, but he does not allow his slender frame to be knocked around by bigger tackles. He uses his athleticism and lower body mechanics to win off the edge.
If the Jets decide to use McDonald more against the Raiders, they must be aware of what he can bring to the game: a quick and athletic pass rusher who can use his speed to be effective against the run. While he has not had much opportunity yet, his talent cannot be discounted.
The Silver and Black will stay at Allegiant Stadium to take on the New York Jets on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 8:20 p.m. ET/5:20 p.m. PT.
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