Since 2023, the Chicago Bears have used four first-round picks-and every single one of them went to the offensive side of the ball. Caleb Williams.
Darnell Wright. Rome Odunze.
Colston Loveland. The investment wasn’t just bold-it paid off.
For the first time in over a decade, the Bears fielded a top-10 offense. That’s not a coincidence.
That’s a front office putting its chips on the table and hitting on talent.
But now, with the offense humming and a young core in place, it’s time to look at the other side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen took over a group that led the NFL in takeaways-a stat that usually signals a defense on the rise.
And yet, the Bears still ranked 29th in total yards allowed and 23rd in points surrendered. That’s a disconnect you can’t ignore.
So, while it’s never wise to lock in a draft pick by position months ahead of April, the signs are pointing pretty clearly toward defense in the first round. And if you’re trying to figure out what kind of player fits Allen’s system, there’s one name that checks all the boxes: Kayden McDonald, the defensive tackle out of Ohio State.
Let’s connect the dots.
Dennis Allen’s best defenses-think back to his New Orleans days-were anchored by dominant interior linemen. It started with Sheldon Rankins, a former first-rounder who, when healthy, was a disruptive interior pass rusher.
Then came David Onyemata, a force against the run who could also collapse the pocket. And most recently, Bryan Bresee, another first-round pick, brought a blend of size, strength, and pass-rushing upside that Allen clearly values.
That’s the mold. That’s the blueprint. And McDonald fits it.
Early in his college career, McDonald looked like your classic space-eating nose tackle-strong, tough, and built to plug gaps. But in 2025, he took his game to another level.
Three sacks and nine tackles for loss don’t just show up by accident. That’s the kind of production that turns heads, especially when paired with improved technique and surprising athleticism for a player his size.
He’s not just a run-stopper anymore. He’s a problem.
And for a Bears defense that needs help up front-needs someone who can anchor the middle and create havoc-McDonald would be a natural fit. He brings the kind of interior presence Allen has leaned on throughout his career. If he’s still on the board when the Bears are on the clock at No. 25, don’t be surprised if his name is called.
The offense has had its time in the spotlight. Now it might be the defense’s turn to get a little first-round love.