NFL Combine: 3 Defensive linemen the Cleveland Browns should monitor
By John Suchan
No. 2 Defensive Lineman: Will McDonald IV, Iowa State
The Iowa State product, Will McDonald IV may be a bit older than what the Browns have drafted in the past but he has a lot of upside that may be too good to pass on.
He had 125 tackles, 40.5 for a loss, and 34 sacks over his career as a Cyclone. He also forced 10 fumbles, including five in his junior campaign. An example of his dominance in games was seen in his junior campaign when he had four tackles, two for losses, two sacks and two forced fumbles in an away game win against Kansas State.
The age factor for McDonald has created some conversation amongst Browns fans because the current regime led by general manager Andrew Berry has a history of not selecting players over the age of 22 and McDonald is 23 years old. While I understand that move by the Browns, this draft is more unique than others, because many college players took advantage of the extra Covid season and played an additional campaign. So, while Cleveland may stick to that idea on age, this is a unique draft.
McDonald had a solid career in college and while age is a factor, one can't pass on experience either and the Browns would be wise to consider drafting McDonald, who's a projected second or third-round pick.