Kayden McDonald — Nose Tackle Ohio State #98
Kayden McDonald — Nose Tackle
Ohio State | #98
Height: 6’3” | Weight: 326 lbs
Draft Projection: 1st Round (Top 20–30)
Role: Early-down NT / Interior run anchor
Overview:
Kayden McDonald is one of the most physically dominant run defenders in the 2026 NFL Draft. While his overall game is still rounding into form, his best snaps are elite and his impact against the run is undeniable. Chicago has struggled to consistently anchor the middle against downhill run teams. McDonald immediately upgrades that weakness. His ability to command double teams, hold his gap, and reset the line would allow the Bears’ linebackers to flow cleanly instead of catching blocks 3–4 yards past the LOS. This is the type of player who doesn’t always show up in sack totals but fundamentally changes how an offense has to call plays
He may never be a high-volume pass rusher, but he profiles as a long-term, high-floor interior presence with Pro Bowl-level run defense upside.
Strengths:
McDonald brings prototypical nose tackle size with a thick, powerful frame and natural leverage. He is extremely difficult to move off his spot and consistently wins at the point of attack with heavy hands and lower-body strength. His 13.8% stop rate and 91.2 run defense grade in 2025 reflect how frequently he disrupts run concepts before they can develop.
He shows excellent gap discipline, rarely freelancing, and maintains balance through contact. McDonald’s missed tackle rate (3.3%) is outstanding for an interior defender, highlighting his ability to finish plays once engaged. When he flashes as a pass rusher, it’s usually through raw power, collapsing the pocket and forcing quarterbacks off their spot.
Weaknesses:
McDonald remains more consistent against the run than as a pass rusher. His pass rush plan is underdeveloped, relying too heavily on bull rushes and strength rather than counters or hand usage. This shows up in his modest 8.5% win rate on true pass sets in 2025.
There are also questions about his arm length, which can limit his ability to disengage quickly and finish sacks. Additionally, McDonald has only one season as a full-time starter, leaving evaluators wanting more evidence of sustained high-level play over multiple years.
Scheme Fit Bears & NFL;
McDonald projects as a true nose tackle in Chicago’s even front looks:
0-tech / shaded 1-tech on early downs
Short-yardage and goal-line cornerstone
Interior run stopper in nickel packages
He gives the Bears flexibility up front; They can stay lighter on the edges knowing the interior won’t get caved in. Against teams like Detroit, Green Bay, and San Francisco-style run games, McDonald is exactly the kind of body you want absorbing doubles and killing interior zone concepts.
Impact on the Front Seven:
McDonald would be a force multiplier for the rest of the defense:
Keeps linebackers clean and downhill
Forces offenses to bounce runs outside
Creates pass rush opportunities by collapsing the pocket vertically
Reduces reliance on blitzing to stop the run
He won’t fix Chicago’s edge rush issues, but he makes those problems easier to manage by forcing predictable passing situations.
Comparison & Outlook:
He is not Jordan Davis in terms of rare athletic upside, but he is a more consistent down-to-down run defender than many recent interior prospects. Compared to someone like Kenneth Grant, McDonald offers less pass-rush ceiling but greater reliability against the run.
🧸Final Bears Take:
McDonald carries a high floor with legitimate first-round value. At worst, he’s a long-term, high-end run-stuffing starter who anchors the middle of a defense for 7–10 years. At best, incremental growth as a pass rusher pushes him into Top 10 value territory.
If the Bears are on the clock in the first round next April, it’s very possible Kayden McDonald is the highest-graded player on their board, and for teams prioritizing physicality and run defense, McDonald would be an easy call.
