Iowa State defensive lineman Will McDonald IV Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Surprising Big 12 defender makes biggest jump in Mel Kiper's latest 2023 NFL Draft rankings

By Colum Dell | Last updated 3/1/23

Iowa State edge-rusher Will McDonald IV's stellar performance at the Senior Bowl has helped him soar up draft boards.

On Tuesday, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. released his updated 2023 NFL mock draft and prospect rankings, with McDonald making the most significant leap. After being unranked in Kiper’s January rankings, Kiper lists McDonald second among outside linebackers, mocking him to the Atlanta Falcons as the No. 8 overall pick.

It’s mock draft day. New Round 1 predictions here — with three early trades. https://t.co/LmABsErBm3
— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) February 28, 2023

A defensive end in college, the 6-foot-3, 241-pound defender has the versatility and speed to fit into various schemes at the pro level. Kiper writes McDonald will “be coveted by teams that run a 3-4 because such teams always have a need for high-end edge rushers.”

McDonald, a three-time first-team All-Big 12 selection, recorded five sacks in 2022, the lowest total since his freshman season. It's a sharp decline from the double-digit sack totals he posted during his two previous seasons. However, Kiper believes that McDonald’s past performance indicates his future success.

The system that Will McDonald played in did him absolutely no favors in terms of individual production opportunities, but he made the most of it.

Total freak of nature. He won't just be lined up as a 4i/5-tech 90% of the time in the pros. They'll actually let him rush up there. pic.twitter.com/6mzMqix1Vt
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) February 21, 2023

Selecting McDonald eighth overall might be a reach, but the Falcons are desperate for an elite edge-rusher.

Atlanta had just 21 sacks this past season, the second-fewest among NFL teams. Former Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen was hired as its new DC to resolve its pass rush issues. During his introductory news conference, Nielsen told reporters, "We'll get it [the pass rush] going."

While the Falcons could draft a QB, if OLB Lorenzo Carter departs in free agency, there will be an even greater need for a pass-rusher. Carter's four sacks were the second-most on the team this past season.

Compared to his ESPN colleagues, Kiper has the Iowa State product rated considerably higher.

Matt Miller ranked McDonald fourth in his position rankings, and Jordan Reid had him as his fifth-best OLB. In Todd McShay's top five, McDonald was nowhere to be found, and none of the three analysts had him as a first-rounder in their respective mocks.

If McDonald builds off his Senior Bowl showing at the Scouting Combine, perhaps Kiper's peers will agree with his evaluation.

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