Will McDonald made The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman’s Freaks list this year, mostly for his incredible explosive ability. “He’s an elite athlete who can do backflips standing still and has videos jumping over cars. All of that along with sacking the QB,” his head coach, Matt Campbell, said. Campbell expects him to leap over 40 inches in the vertical jump at the combine and broad jump 11 feet.

Will McDonald

4-3 DE – Iowa State Cyclones

HT: 6026
WT: 245
Year: Super Redshirt Junior
High School: North (Waukesha, WI)
Rating: 3-star (0.8614)

Projected Draft Grade: First Year Starter

Projection: First Round

Will McDonald scouting notes

Pros: 

• Solid speed, has an excellent speed rush. Strong athletic profile. Shows great length. 
• Very explosive. Athleticism is off of the charts. 
• Good hands get him underneath the block to make up for his lack of bend. 
• Good tackler. 
•  Attempts to impact the play in any way possible. 

Cons: 

• Fairly balanced as a prospect, does struggle if he has to overwork to get past a block. 
• He doesn’t have great bend, but he isn’t stiff. Can work under the block. 
• Needs to add some bulk to his frame.