With their 2025 season extending past Week 18, the Chicago Bears finally got a taste of meaningful January football again - something they hadn’t experienced since 2020. But now that their playoff run is over, the focus shifts to the next big milestone on the NFL calendar: the draft.
The Bears hold the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., they could be looking to fortify the trenches once again. Kiper projects the Bears to select Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, a name that might not have dominated headlines early in the season, but who turned in a breakout campaign that’s hard to ignore.
Kiper notes that Chicago is in “best player available” mode - a good place to be when you're not desperate to plug glaring holes. While edge rusher was initially on the radar, Kiper explains that with Akheem Mesidor off the board at No. 20, the value at that position simply wasn’t there. He floated Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell as a possibility but ultimately leaned toward the interior, where the Bears could use a long-term answer.
And the timing makes sense. Gervon Dexter Sr. is entering a contract year, Grady Jarrett will be 33 by next season, and depth pieces like Andrew Billings and Chris Williams are heading into free agency. The defensive line isn’t in crisis mode, but it’s definitely a group that could use a young, disruptive presence.
Enter McDonald - a 326-pound force who delivered a standout season at Ohio State. He racked up 67 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks, flashing the kind of power and quickness that can anchor a defensive front.
But perhaps most importantly for Chicago, he’s a proven run-stuffer. The Bears gave up 5.0 yards per carry this season - a number that speaks volumes about why they might prioritize someone like McDonald.
According to Pro Football Focus, McDonald earned a 92.1 run defense grade, the highest among all interior defensive linemen. He also forced two fumbles, leading the position group.
That kind of production isn’t just impressive - it’s rare. He’s not just clogging lanes; he’s creating havoc.
There are still questions about his upside as a pass rusher. Since 2023, McDonald has logged just 13 total quarterback pressures, a modest number for a first-round hopeful.
But context matters. He played on a loaded Buckeyes defense that featured multiple NFL-caliber players, which likely impacted his usage and opportunities.
He also played only 564 total snaps over three seasons - not a huge sample size, but enough to showcase his strengths.
The pass-rushing development will be something to monitor, but McDonald’s floor is already high. He’s a run-game enforcer with the physical tools and motor to become more. For a Bears defense that’s building momentum and looking to get younger in the trenches, he’d be a strong fit.
If Chicago pulls the trigger on McDonald at No. 25, they’re not just adding depth - they’re investing in a future centerpiece on the defensive line.