Kayden McDonald Could Be the Bears’ Answer in the Trenches
The Chicago Bears have gone big on skill players in recent drafts-adding names like Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, and Colston Loveland to revamp their offense. And it’s worked.
But now, with the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, it might be time to shift gears. Defensive tackle Kayden McDonald out of Ohio State is a name picking up steam, and he’s projected to go in the first round-potentially to Chicago at No. 25, according to FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt.
Klatt makes a compelling case: the Bears have loaded up on flash. Now it’s time for some force.
And McDonald brings exactly that. He was a disruptive force in the middle of the Buckeyes’ defensive front last season, anchoring an interior that allowed Ohio State to run a unique, odd-man front with confidence.
His motor doesn’t quit, and he plays with the kind of power and leverage that makes life miserable for opposing guards and centers.
For Chicago, this isn’t just about adding a talented player-it’s about addressing a glaring need. The Bears struggled mightily against the run in 2025, giving up 134.5 rushing yards per game and finishing with a 42.2 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus, second-worst in the league.
That’s not going to cut it, especially in a division where stopping the run is non-negotiable. McDonald, arguably the best run-stopper in this year’s class, could be the plug-and-play solution they’ve been missing.
Why McDonald Might Slide-And Why It Shouldn’t Matter
There’s a chance McDonald slips a bit in the draft, and it has less to do with his talent and more with his path. At Ohio State, he redshirted his freshman year and didn’t become a featured player until 2025. That kind of delayed breakout can sometimes ding a prospect’s stock, especially when compared to players who’ve been racking up highlight reels since their sophomore seasons.
But context matters. McDonald was buried behind future NFL talents like Michael Hall Jr. and Tyleik Williams-two studs in their own right.
And while he waited his turn, he was practicing against elite competition every day, developing in a top-tier program with NFL-caliber coaching and facilities. That kind of environment can sharpen a player in ways that don’t always show up on stat sheets.
And when McDonald finally got his shot in 2025, he made it count. His tape is filled with plays that show his ability to anchor against double teams, shed blocks, and collapse the pocket from the inside. That’s not just effort-it’s technique, strength, and football IQ.
NFL Ready-and Then Some
McDonald’s development under a defensive mind like Matt Patricia last season could end up being a huge asset. He’s already proven he can adjust quickly and thrive in complex schemes. That’s exactly what NFL teams want in a defensive tackle-not just someone who can eat space, but someone who understands how to manipulate it.
If he lands in the right system with the right coaching, McDonald’s ceiling is sky-high. His draft slot might not scream “superstar,” but his game just might. And if he delivers on his potential, the Bears-or whichever team grabs him-could be getting one of the steals of the draft.
The trenches don’t always get the spotlight, but they win games. And Kayden McDonald? He’s built to do just that.