FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 17: New England Patriots helmets on the bench at Gillette Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The New England Patriots hosted Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald for a top-30 visit recently. Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo reported this.
McDonald had the best season of his career last year, as he was a key piece of the Buckeyes’ defensive line. He played in 14 games, recording 65 total tackles. He also showed his ability to rush the passer, recording three sacks on the year. The defensive lineman was able to help anchor the Buckeyes’ top-ranked scoring defense and was the Big Ten defensive lineman of the year for his efforts.
Now, the Patriots are kicking the tires on potentially drafting him, as he told Melo.
I’ve been on Top 30 visits. I have one with the Bengals, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders, Ravens, Bears.
New England Patriots Would Get High-Level Player
The Patriots would be getting a playmaker in McDonald, and one who put his best foot forward at the highest level. He recorded a career-high eight tackles in three separate games against the Texas Longhorns, Penn State Nittany Lions, and Miami Hurricanes.
Those types of performances translated into accolades. He earned the Bronko Nagurski national defensive player of the week award after a performance against the Washington Huskies. The defensive tackle was dominant in that game. He recorded seven tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks.
The accolades continued for McDonald throughout the course of the season. He was named to the First-Team by the Associated Press, AFCA, FWAA, Sporting News, and Walter Camp.
New England Patriots In Unique Postion On Line
This is certainly an intriguing visit as it signals the Patriots are looking to add impact defensive tackles. In addition, they are looking to replace playmakers who have lost over the course of free agency. The Patriots lost Khyris Tonga to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. McDonald has the size to be able to fill that gap.
In addition, he could complement Christian Barmore and Milton Williams well. The two are some of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. McDonald would allow them to get more opportunities by getting the defense’s attention and forcing them to shift their focus from Williams and Barmore.
Williams was a major piece for the team last season. He recorded 29 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks over the course of 12 regular-season games. He was a major part of getting the Patriots to the Super Bowl this past season. He also served as a veteran on a defense that was one of the best in the NFL.
McDonald would continue the strong depth at defensive tackle. In addition, he would be a younger option as the Patriots look to build for the future. Williams, for example, is 26 years old, so age is not necessarily a problem now. Nevertheless, they can keep the rotation going and continue to develop the position.
It will be intriguing to see what the Patriots will do this upcoming draft. They have a lot of needs to fill, and defensive tackle depth is one of them. The team’s hallmark is defense, and adding a player like McDonald in the fold would be another step to ensure that the unit remains strong for the foreseeable future.