It took 15 picks for the Los Angeles Rams to lose one of their top potential targets in the draft. Will McDonald IV, who was projected to go near the end of the first round or early in the second round, came off the board much earlier than expected.
The New York Jets selected the Iowa State pass rusher with the 15th overall pick, 21 selections before the Rams are slated to go on the clock.
It was a pretty big surprise to hear McDonald’s name called this early, especially with Myles Murphy still on the board. Many viewed Murphy as the better pass rusher but it’s McDonald who gets selected first.
The Rams met with McDonald at his pro day, showing interest in the impressive defender. Had he been available at No. 36, they likely would’ve considered taking him, but we’ll never find out what they would’ve done if that opportunity arose.
The Jets got a good player in McDonald, who had 34 sacks in college, but he’d have been a much better value later in the first round.
