The Green Bay Packers need to restock on pass rushers this offseason, after watching a few veteran defensive linemen head elsewhere this offseason in free agency. Since the team is light on cash, their best option to gain in the defensive trenches will be via the draft. The Packers are actively meeting with EDGE prospects who might be available when they pick in April.
According to Underdog Fantasy expert Josh Norris, the Green Bay Packers are meeting with Will McDonald. McDonald is a highly regarded EDGE draft prospect out of Iowa State.
McDonald’s draft profile
The 23-year-old McDonald spent five seasons with Iowa State. Iowa State’s profile of McDonald lists him as six-foot-three, 236 pounds. McDonald is a Pewaukee, Wisconsin native who graduated from Waukesha North High School. He played in 54 games at Iowa State, recording 123 total tackles, 42 tackles for loss, 34 sacks, and forced ten fumbles during his time with the Cyclones.
According to the NFL's Lance Zierlein, McDonald is an explosive pass rusher who should become a starter within two seasons:
“McDonald is an explosive, pliable edge talent whose active hands and eager feet make it hard for tackles to get a firm grip on him. His burst and lower-body flexion give him an advantage at the top of the rush, while his spin moves and feel for pocket depth round out his attack. He has good strength for his size and plays with admirable contact balance against bigger players, but setting firm edges and holding his ground against a downhill running attack could be an issue. Overall, McDonald’s hard-nosed demeanor and pass-rush talent are winning play traits that will help him become a successful 3-4 outside linebacker and sack artist.”
Sports Illustrated grades McDonald as a third-round prospect.
Here are highlights of McDonald at Iowa State:
More must-reads: