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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 08: General Manager Ryan Poles of the Chicago Bears looks on prior to a game against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field on September 08, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears’ NFL Draft approach is starting to come into focus, and two names continue to surface as potential targets for general manager Ryan Poles.
Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald and Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor have both drawn strong interest from Chicago in recent weeks. Both draft prospects have gone on multiple visits with the Bears and have gained major pro day attention.
“I’ve been on Top 30 visits… Bears,” McDonald said. “Every team that needs a physical defensive tackle has been in touch with me.”
That level of demand highlights just how competitive things could get. However, it also reinforces that the Bears are still actively exploring ways to strengthen both the interior and edge of their defensive front.
Kayden McDonald Visit Signals Bears Interior Focus
McDonald remains one of the most consistently linked prospects to Chicago throughout the pre-draft process. The Bears already met with him at the NFL Combine, and now a Top 30 visit confirms that interest is still very real.
It makes sense when you look at the bigger picture. Chicago added depth pieces like Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, and James Lynch, but all three came on short-term deals. There is still no long-term certainty next to Gervon Dexter, and the future of the interior rotation beyond 2026 remains unsettled.
McDonald fits exactly what the Bears have been missing in the middle. He is a physical, run-stuffing presence who embraces double teams and does the dirty work that frees up linebackers. That role doesn’t always show up in sack totals, but it is critical to building a consistent defensive front.
The biggest challenge will be availability.
McDonald has drawn heavy interest across the league, with multiple teams lining up visits ahead of the draft.
If Chicago views him as a true first-round target, they may need things to fall perfectly at No. 25 or consider trading up.
Ben Devine
The Chicago Bears will have Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald in for a 30 visit. #NFLDraft
Akheem Mesidor Emerging as Bears Edge Option
While McDonald represents the interior, Akheem Mesidor is quickly becoming one of the more logical edge targets.
Poles was in attendance at Miami’s Pro Day, where Mesidor stood out coming off a 12.5-sack season. The production jumps off the page, but what may matter more is how the Bears view his profile.
“I think they’re probably closer to their ceiling,” Poles said when discussing older prospects like Mesidor. “You kind of know what you’re going to get a little bit more.”
That philosophy lines up with where Chicago is right now. This is not a full rebuild. The Bears are trying to compete, and adding a more polished, plug-and-play pass rusher could make more sense than betting on a longer-term project.
There are questions, mainly his age and limited developmental upside, but the floor is appealing. Mesidor brings a high motor, proven production, and the ability to contribute immediately.
Between McDonald and Mesidor, two clear options are emerging for Ryan Poles to address a major need up front. Which direction the Bears go will likely come down to who is still on the board when they’re on the clock.