Bills Insider Touts 'Powerful, Physical' Nose Tackle for Upcoming NFL Draft

Ohio State's Kayden McDonald could help transform Buffalo's defensive line, says analyst.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:33am

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A Bills insider believes the team should select Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald with their first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. McDonald is described as a 'powerful, physical' player who could help shore up Buffalo's struggling run defense.

Why it matters

The Bills are transitioning to an odd-man front defense under new coordinator Jim Leonhard, and they need to find the right players to make that shift successful. McDonald's size, strength, and ability to 'squeeze down gaps' could be a perfect fit to help improve Buffalo's run defense, which was one of the team's biggest weaknesses in 2025.

The details

McDonald, a 6-foot-3, 326-pound defensive tackle, had a breakout 2025 season at Ohio State, earning Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year honors. He finished with 65 tackles, 3 sacks, and 9 tackles for loss, helping the Buckeyes have the 7th-best run defense in the nation. The Bills attended McDonald's Pro Day, indicating their potential interest in the prospect.

  • The Bills are set to pick 26th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Kayden McDonald

A 21-year-old defensive tackle from Ohio State who is projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jim Leonhard

The new defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, who is transitioning the team to an odd-man front defense.

Joe Marino

A Bills insider and analyst who is 'pounding the table' for the team to select Kayden McDonald in the upcoming draft.

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What they’re saying

“My goodness, he's big. He's powerful. He's physical. He's got a stout anchor, and you're not gonna move him with a single block, I'll tell ya that.”

— Joe Marino, Bills Insider

“And just make lanes disappear when defending the run.”

— Joe Marino, Bills Insider

What’s next

The Bills will have to decide whether to select Kayden McDonald with their first-round pick at No. 26 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Upgrading the defensive tackle position, especially with a powerful, physical presence like Kayden McDonald, could be a key move for the Bills as they transition to a new defensive scheme under Jim Leonhard. McDonald's ability to stuff the run could help address one of Buffalo's biggest weaknesses from the 2025 season.