Refreshed just now
rank#58$1.9M
Big 12→ NYJ's 2023 class
Backtest: model vs. reality
The model graded Will McDonald at pick #58; he was actually picked #15 by NYJ. 3 NFL seasons in, he's barely gotten on the field (grading 2.7 of 20 per season), and the second-contract question is still open — no new deal yet. The 4-tier model has him as a likely starter. NFL grades have been modest so far (1% recent-3, 4% peak across 2 seasons). Model expects a second-deal AAV around $8M/yr.
Overview
Headline grade, verdict, and the one-line scout take
Draftanomics Rank
Medium conviction#58EDGE·Iowa St.
The league moved faster than our board — NYJ took him at No. 15, 43 picks ahead of our No. 58 grade. His career is settling that argument now.
Draftanomics's take
Draftanomics had Will McDonald at #58 on draft night — a Day 2 grade — and NYJ took him at No. 15, 43 picks earlier than our grade. The model's case leans on broad top-100 board coverage and top-50 board coverage. Bust risk projects at 31%, near the position baseline. The room had him #33 pre-draft; our board sat 25 spots lower.
Written from the live model's numbers — projected to round 2, and it updates whenever the model does. See methodology for what drives the take.
Scouting report
The written report — drafted from the fact sheet, every number traceable, honest about what we can't see yet
Why this grade
Which signals drove the grade up or down — in plain English
Consensus
The analyst room, accuracy-weighted, plus where Draftanomics disagrees with it
Production2
Measurables, traits, and college play quality
Risk
Bust probability, injury history, character flags, pre-mortem
Team fit
How well this prospect fits each of the 32 team schemes
Will he be there?
Probability he's still on the board at each of your picks
Comps
Historical players this prospect resembles
Film & notes
Clips, scout notes, voice memos, written reports