Kayden McDonald Top 30 Visit Bears Draft News Bears News
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Former Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.
The Chicago Bears are bringing in one of the top interior defensive linemen in the 2026 NFL draft class for an official visit before next month’s main event.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo, the Bears have scheduled a top 30 visit with Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald — a projected first-round pick — after initially having a formal meeting with the team during the 2026 NFL Combine.
“Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald is the most physical defender in the 2026 NFL draft,” Melo wrote on X. “Elite run defender had 9(!) TFLs in 2025.”
McDonald is a popular mock-draft selection for the Bears among analysts, appearing as the team’s projected No. 25 overall pick in mocks done by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks and The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman in the past several weeks. His run-stuffing presence would address a significant need for Chicago’s defensive line.
McDonald will take his pre-draft visit to Halas Hall to meet with the Bears on April 1, according to The Chicago Sun-Times’ Jason Lieser. He is the Bears’ first reported 30 visit with a prospect who is projected to come off the board in April 23’s first round.
Kayden McDonald Dominated as Run-Stuffer in 2025
McDonald — a 6-foot-3, 326-pound defensive tackle — broke out as one of the nation’s top interior run defenders in 2025 as a dominant every-down starter for the Buckeyes. He recorded 65 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery over 14 games, earning unanimous recognition as an All-American.
More impressively, though, is how McDonald stacked up against his collegiate peers.
According to Pro Football Focus’ metrics, McDonald finished the 2025 FBS season with the most run stops (30) and tackles for loss or no gain (16) among all college defensive tackles. He also received the highest run defense grade (91.2) at his position, making him an ideal target for a Bears defense that ranked 27th against the run last season.
McDonald is not without his weaknesses, though. The only sacks he recorded for Ohio State over his three seasons came in 2025; although, to be fair, it was the only season in which the Buckeyes called upon him as an every-down starter. Even still, his pass-rush technique is underdeveloped and must improve for him to produce at the next level.
The Bears could also see McDonald come off the board before they are on the clock with the No. 25 pick. He is the highest-rated defensive tackle on the big boards for both Pro Football Focus and ESPN. All it would take is one team above them in the top 24 — such as, perhaps, the Dallas Cowboys at No. 20 — to spoil the Bears’ chances at landing him.
What Other Positions Could Bears Target at No. 25?
McDonald would be an intriguing option for the Bears if he is still available when they make their selection at No. 25 overall, but Chicago could target a few different positions in the first round of the draft, depending on how they weigh their defensive priorities.
The Bears would have just as much reason to target an edge rusher in the first round as an interior lineman. They do not have an established starter opposite Montez Sweat on their defensive line, and while Austin Booker and veteran Dayo Odeyingbo should play roles in the rotation in 2026, a first-round investment could help overhaul the position.
Another potential positional target that has built some steam is safety. The Bears signed a three-year, $40 million contract with former Seattle Seahawks starter Coby Bryant, but they also allowed both of their 2025 starters — Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker — to walk in free agency, leaving them with a void to fill in the depths of their secondary.
Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeill-Warren are both safeties who could appeal to Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme and fit nicely alongside Bryant.