The New York Jets are entering the 2025 season with questions across their defensive line. Superstar interior defender Quinnen Williams didn’t reach his performance ceiling in 2024 and is tasked with experiencing a bounce-back campaign. Meanwhile sophomore EDGE Will McDonald IV broke out of his shell by totaling 10.5 sacks. The Jets hope McDonald IV continues trending in the right direction as a third-year pro.
Bleacher Report recently ranked the top-five pass-rushing duos in the NFL. Though Williams and McDonald IV didn’t make the cut, they were among the five duos that earned the “honorable mentions” nod.
“Williams has established himself as one of the best defensive tackles in the league, earning three straight Pro Bowl bids,” Matt Holder wrote, acknowledging the Jets duo has already combined for 52.5 career sacks. “McDonald is still in the early stage of his career, but he enjoyed a breakout performance in 2024, logging 10.5 sacks.
still not over how athletic @WILL_JUN1OR is 👏 pic.twitter.com/xFaHyVszPF
— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 9, 2025
“With another strong showing from the latter this season, these two will make a strong case to crack the top five next summer.”
New Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is certainly relying on Williams and McDonald to spearhead his pass rush this season. Jermaine Johnson II is coming off a serious Achilles injury, and the Jets lack the desirable depth both inside and outside. Williams and McDonald hold the keys to the Jets’ sack production in 2025.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Bleacher Report: Jets duo earns honorable mention in pass-rush rankings