Jets' Surprising First-Round Pick Has Unlikely Background

The Jets made Will McDonald their first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, betting on his athletic potential despite his late start in football.
McDonald did not play organized football until high school, focusing instead on basketball, wrestling, jujitsu and unicycling.
McDonald's ability to jump over cars captured attention but he says he has retired from that hobby to focus on his football career.
The Jets see McDonald as the best pass rusher in the draft, though questions remain about how the somewhat inexperienced player will fit into their defense.
The selection of McDonald was good news for Jets tackle Mekhi Becton, who may have an easier path to regaining his starting job with no lineman picked in the first round.