Will McDonald IV, a third-year pass rusher for the New York Jets, is gaining attention after a standout season where he recorded 10½ sacks. The Jets' in-house video team captured his journey in a documentary, showcasing his evolution as a player.

This documentary not only highlights McDonald's impressive statistics but also delves into his training regimen, mental preparation, and the challenges he faced transitioning to professional football. Such insights are invaluable for fantasy players and bettors looking to gauge his potential impact in upcoming games.

The New York Jets' defensive line struggled throughout the 2024 season, particularly after Jermaine Johnson II suffered a season-ending injury early on. The lack of depth became painfully evident as Quinnen Williams and others failed to meet their usual performance levels. As training camp approaches, questions arise regarding the unit's effectiveness. Local reporter Zack Rosenblatt highlights concerns regarding their depth, especially at defensive end, where breakout star Will McDonald IV has yet to prove himself in stopping the run. Johnson's Achilles injury further complicates matters, as his readiness for the start of training camp remains uncertain.

The New York Jets are gearing up for the new season with critical evaluations of their defensive depth chart following the recent 2025 NFL draft and OTA's. The team is expected to make some roster cuts as they prepare for mandatory mini-camp. Head coach Robert Saleh is keen on assessing the potential of players like Jermaine Johnson, who returns after a torn Achilles, and Will McDonald, who had a breakout season last year. The Jets aim to solidify their defensive line with notable talents and strategic cuts.

The defensive end position has shown promise, especially with Johnson's comeback and McDonald's impressive performance last season. However, concerns linger about players like Michael Clemons, whose performance has been underwhelming, and Rashad Weaver, who has struggled recently. The Jets are hopeful that the upcoming training camp will illuminate the best combinations for their defensive front.

The New York Jets are making headlines with recent uniform number changes for three players, allowing for a fresh start as the NFL season approaches. Defensive lineman Will McDonald IV, who had an impressive second season with 10.5 sacks, switches from No. 99 to No. 9, taking the number vacated by kicker Greg Zuerlein. Special teams ace Xavier Gipson will now wear No. 3, enhancing his visibility as a return specialist. The changes reflect the Jets' commitment to building their identity as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.

The Detroit Lions made a bold choice by drafting running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, a move that has paid off handsomely. Gibbs, who the New York Jets had targeted for their 15th pick, has excelled in his first two seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors and leading the league in rushing touchdowns in 2024. His impressive 1,412 rushing yards in 2024 ranks him among the top performers in Lions history, only behind legends like Billy Sims and Barry Sanders.

The Jets, on the other hand, selected defensive end Will McDonald, who has also proven to be a valuable asset with a team-leading 10.5 sacks in 2024. This draft decision now serves as a crucial talking point among analysts as both teams assess their respective paths forward.