Bears Projected to Draft Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald at No. 25

Prospect offers strong run defense to bolster Chicago's defensive front

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a post-Super Bowl mock draft, Pro Football Focus projects the Chicago Bears to select Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. McDonald, who led all FBS interior defenders with a 91.2 PFF run-defense grade in 2025, is seen as an ideal fit to address the Bears' need for improvement in the middle of their defensive front.

Why it matters

The Bears struggled to consistently stop opposing rushing attacks in 2025, despite prior investments in the defensive tackle position. Selecting McDonald, a dominant run defender, could help shore up the team's defensive line and put them in better down-and-distance situations on defense.

The details

Pro Football Focus' mock draft has the Bears addressing their need for a strong interior defensive lineman by selecting Kayden McDonald, who earned an 86.5 overall PFF grade in 2025 - the best mark among Power Five interior defenders. McDonald's elite 91.2 run-defense grade that year suggests he can immediately contribute to improving Chicago's ability to stop the run.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Kayden McDonald

A defensive tackle from Ohio State University who is projected to be selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Grady Jarrett

A veteran defensive tackle who provided leadership for the Bears in 2025, but the team still struggled to consistently stop the run.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The front office addresses those woes by picking up McDonald, who led all FBS interior defenders with a 91.2 PFF run-defense grade in 2025. His 86.5 PFF overall grade was the best mark in the Power Four.”

— Max Chadwick, Pro Football Focus Analyst (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The Bears will have the opportunity to select Kayden McDonald with the 25th overall pick when the 2026 NFL Draft takes place in April.

The takeaway

Addressing the need for a dominant interior defensive lineman is crucial for the Bears' continued success. By selecting Kayden McDonald, who excels at stopping the run, the team can bolster their defensive front and put themselves in better position to win games in 2026 and beyond.