https://x.com/richcimini/status/1705740400542023777?s=46&t=VS880J0IhNDM96by-G_mZA What were they thinking drafting this kid for a win now season?
They're thinking that you don't draft for need, even in a win-now season/window. Right or wrong, Saleh and JD value pass rush and 2 of our key contributors in that aspect are on contract years (Lawson and Huff). Drafting McDonald allows him to learn at this own pace this year. I doubt that he'll be a healthy scratch all year so he'll get some PT as the year goes on and then he'll, hopefully, be ready to step in next year and play a more prominent role as an EDGE.
Yeah but that’s a pick a franchise like the Jets doesn’t have the luxury of making. We have too many holes short and long term. Perennial playoff teams like the Chiefs, 49ers, etc. make those picks. He’s also 24 so he’ll be pushing 29 if we pickup his fifth year option and close to the downslope. It’s not that the player might not be good one day but it just wasn’t a pick the Jets should’ve made.
There's 4 positions that I'll never fault the GM for taking in the 1st. QB, OT, EDGE/DL, and WR. I was on record that I would've preferred JSN at that pick and with CD's unexpected retirement that pick would've looked even better now but I can understand their thought process behind the McDonald pick even if it's one I didn't necessarily agree with at the time.
That’s fine, but if he was a surefire impact player he’d be playing. Clearly he’s not even better than Michael Clemons (day 3 pick last year). Huge red flag that our first rounder isn’t getting dressed on GameDay.
I don't think any rookie being a healthy scratch in their 2nd game as a pro is a huge red flag. Not ideal? Absolutely but I don't think this is a huge indictment on McDonald.
The Jets spent two draft picks on defensive ends last year, signed Lawson a couple years ago and brought in Rankins, Solomon Thomas, Al Woods and Quinton Jefferson. They also handed out big contracts to Q, and JFM (relatively) and tendered Bryce Huff high enough that no one would touch him. I mean the investment in the position group is too great to take a 24 year old rookie that you’re going to redshirt. For what it’s worth too, Clemons as a DT is just silly. The guys a good edge rusher and should be playing on the edge over Lawson when he’s in there. It reminds me of the attempted Shaun Ellis to DT conversion years ago.
Just to pick one guy I remember Elijah Moore's first couple games he barely played and looked lost when he did. By the end of the year he was an impact player on the field. The only point is sometimes you have to give these kids a little time.
None of the guys you mentioned until Q or JFM are needle-movers though. Obviously we hope JJ takes that step this year and I think he's looked better but he's not on the level of those 2 just yet. Guys like Lawson, Rankins, Solly, Woods, Jefferson, and Clemons should not preclude any front office from taking a shot at an EDGE they think has elite potential. When you take into consideration how much Saleh and Ulbrich love to rotate the DL in and out, I totally understand why they took McDonald. I would've gone in a different direction (JSN) but I get it. Especially when you factor in Lawson and Huff most likely won't be here next year.
I understand your overall logic but don't agree it applies here. We went all in for Rodgers and protecting him was the only smart move. The whole move was worthless if we can protect him. Also, there is a big difference between taking an edge that is projected to be an impact player in the NFL like Hutch or Garrett, and taking an edge that is considered a project. JD keeps making sure were overly covered on the D-line, in the meantime we're going to need about 4-5 o-linemen next year to make a real playoff run.
Yeah agreed. You said it better than I did. It’s not the fact that we took an edge. It’s the fact that it looks like we took an edge that the franchise thinks won’t be ready til next year to contribute. Edge players are not usually healthy scratches even if the plan is to bring them along slowly.
Our d-line really sacked Mac Jones today...Right Saleh? We were so meaty that he didn't win the game, while McDonald is on the bench
I was at the game and saw him on the field for some defensive plays though no impact plays, like the rest of the DL today
