May 23, 2023; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets linebacker Will McDonald IV (99) practices a drill during OTAs at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Only first and second round picks Will McDonald and Joe Tippmann remained unsigned for the New York Jets as training camp approached, but that all ended today. The defensive lineman and center put pen to paper upon arriving at 1 Jets Drive.
In McDonald, the Jets hope they have their first home grown dynamic pass rusher since John Abraham as the former Iowa State product’s freakish athleticism and other worldly length give him a shot to be something special.
Meanwhile, Tippmann is expected to compete for the starting center job with returning veteran Connor McGovern. Tippmann’s ability to pop out of his stance and get outside to blow up would be tacklers could give him an edge over the less athletic McGovern.
However, there is something to be said for experience which McGovern has plenty of. The battle between the two for the starting job should indeed be one to watch.