As an elite first-round prospect with something to prove, former Iowa State DE Will McDonald likely wanted to pull out all the stops during testing at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Though, that fact probably doesn’t make McDonald unique alone. The combine is, in many ways, a job interview.
And when it’s time to do things like run the 40-yard dash, you want to impress the people at your interview. From this perspective, the extreme lengths McDonald went to participate through Thursday’s testing period probably does separate him.
According to FOX Sports’ Peter Schrager, McDonald had a fever close to 104 degrees on Tuesday. Yet, despite his sickness, while losing some weight, McDonald ran through some drills at the combine anyway.
Unbelievable:
Per sources, Iowa State pass rusher Will Mcdonald IV came down with a fever close to 104 degrees on Tuesday evening. He’s insisting on working out today— at least some of the drills—despite being sick and losing some weight over the last 48 hours. @nflnetwork
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 2, 2023
Did McDonald falter or fall short while likely still recovering from his fever? No, no, he did not.
He had a 36-inch vertical, which is top-notch for a defensive end weighing around 240 pounds:
Edge Rusher Will McDonald IV slow-mo’ing it to 36” on the vert. Pretty awesome for a D-End💪 pic.twitter.com/s4VGWYUL0E
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) March 2, 2023
And after showing he can jump over an SUV (oh, okay?), McDonald had an 11-foot broad jump.
1. Wow. 2. Stick with me here. 3. Wow.
A casual 11'u broad jump and 36"u vertical too.@CycloneFB | @WILL_JUN1OR
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/Mls5OdQrSV— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2023
McDonald’s 11-foot broad jump stands out in particular. That’s because it’s the third-longest by a DE since 2009. Fourteen years! After a high fever only two days ago!
Bonkers work, really.
Iowa State EDGE Will McDonald (6'4/239) recorded the 3rd best broad jump (11'0") among DEs at the NFL Combine since 2009 pic.twitter.com/INZ1iskFuK
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) March 2, 2023
If I’m being honest, McDonald probably should’ve just stayed home. The many executives and coaches on hand would’ve understood, and he could’ve tested at Iowa State’s eventual Pro Day.
Instead, knowing how Football Guys think, McDonald’s “Flu Combine” probably cemented him as a top pick in April’s draft.
