A highly-rated defensive tackle for the Ohio State Buckeyes has been linked to the Chicago Bears by the NFL’s analyst. This is ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Bears are looking to build on an impressive run in the 2025 NFL season under head coach Ben Johnson. In Johnson’s debut season, the Bears won their first playoff game in 15 years. They also finished with an 11-6 record, clinching the NFC North title for the first time since 2018.
With all that over, the Bears now turn their attention to the upcoming NFL draft, wherein they will be selecting No. 25 in the first round. One prospect that should be on their radar is Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) watches from the sideline during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines.
Kayden McDonald, a potential draft pick for the Chicago Bears
McDonald, a 6-foot-3, 326-pound defensive tackle, is widely projected to be a late pick in the first round of the draft. He entered Ohio State as a four-star recruit and had a top-12-ranked DT from North Gwinnett High School in Georgia.
In high school, McDonald finished his prep career with 46 sacks and 131 tackles for loss. He also contributed offensively in short-yardage situations. With the Buckeyes, he worked his way into the defensive line rotation and played in all 16 games during the 2024 CFP championship run.
In Chad Reuter’s latest mock draft for NFL.com, he has the Bears picking McDonald 25th overall.
“The Bears are looking for a defensive tackle to control the line of scrimmage, so they are thrilled to see McDonald available here,” Reuter wrote.
The NFL describes McDonald as a talented run defender who plays with natural leverage. His overview also stated that he quickly locates ball-carriers, plays off blocks and rallies to the action. Aside from McDonald’s exploits on the field, he was also named OSU Scholar-Athlete twice. He also earned Academic All-Big Ten honors.
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