The Chicago Bears could solve a major issue from this past season in the 2026 NFL Draft with Ohio State Buckeyes star Kayden McDonald.
A run-stuffing defensive lineman, McDonald would be a fitting addition for the Bears.
The Bears ranked 29th defensively during the regular season. And while their 22nd-ranked passing defense has drawn plenty of criticism amid a remake of their secondary and lack thereof along the edges, their run defense was worse at 27th.
Bears Doubling Down on Interest in Kayden McDonald
Kayden McDonald Reveals Meeting With Bears
McDonald told Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo that he had “formals” with a host of teams, including the Bears. He also noted that Chicago is among his “30” visits.
He described himself as a “physical” presence at DT, before later giving his elevator pitch.
“They’re getting the most physical defensive tackle in the NFL Draft. I’m going to elevate the room. I want to help the team win a Super Bowl. I believe my teammates are going to love me. I’m going to earn their respect,” McDonald told Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo in an interview published on March 24.
“I want to make an instant impact in the NFL. To have that opportunity is a blessing and I don’t take it lightly. I want to play at the highest level. I’ve been dreaming about that forever. I know how rare the opportunity is.”
He said that he does not take the opportunity ahead of him “lightly,” underscoring the caliber of character he possesses.
Kayden McDonald Gains Edge on Top DT Prospect
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein noted McDonald is a “talented run defender” in his pre-draft profile, adding, “McDonald plays with natural leverage and rattles pads with his initial contact. He’s quick to locate ball-carriers, play off of blocks and rally to the action.
“Technique is a bit underdeveloped and he’s not a natural drain-clogger against double teams, but he still managed an unusually high tackle rate as an interior defender. Quicker hand strikes should allow for more efficient reps and earlier wins at the point. He offers limited rush value, so his money will be made by giving grief to centers and guards as an even-front nose tackle with starting potential.”
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked McDonald as his 26th overall prospect in the 2026 class, second at his position behind only former Florida Gators star Caleb Banks.
Banks, whom Brugler ranked 24th overall, suffered a broken foot at the combine.
“With his power, McDonald is at his best as a run-stuffer,” Brugler wrote in February. “He resets the line of scrimmage with his initial burst and power, then attacks blocks from a leveraged position. He will require time to develop more of a pass-rush identity, but his dominant run-game qualities will make him immediately useful for an NFL team.”
The Bears own the 25th overall pick in the draft in April, and they have multiple second-round selections, putting them within striking range of where Brugler ranks him and where ESPN’s Field Yates projected him to land, which is 36th overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Bears DC Dennis Allen Likes Certain Style of DT
Bears starters Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett return, with James Lynch, Kentavius Street, and Neville Gallimore signing in free agency.
2025 second-round pick Shemar Turner should also be healthy.
However, the Bears do not have a player like McDonald under contract, which could be just as telling. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has a certain preference for his personnel, like all coaches, and it will be worth monitoring if McDonald, a national champion in 2023, fits the bill.