CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 11: Defensive Lineman Kayden McDonald #98 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after recovering a fumble in action during a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty ImagesLester A. Wiltfong Jr.Wed, February 25, 2026 at 4:00 AM UTC·2 min readThe mock-draft OG, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., just dropped his latest, a pre-NFL Combine version, and he’s basing his selections on what he’s hearing from executives, scouts, and coaches around the league.
One thing most draft analysts agree on is that this is a good draft for a defensive lineman, and that’s what the Chicago Bears need. Even if they attack the position on free agency, the Bears could easily double-dip and target the best tackle or end on their board at 25.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHere’s how Kiper has the Bears going in the first round.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
It’s probably a little early for Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell, Clemson’s T.J. Parker or Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas. The Bears obviously need more edge rush support, but the board just isn’t lining up. But with Gervon Dexter Sr. signed for only one more season and Grady Jarrett turning 33 in April, it would make sense to pad the defensive tackle group. McDonald is actually the DT1 on my Big Board, and he has a nose for the football. He had 17 run stops in 2025. Having him on the interior would be huge for a Bears team that allowed 5.0 yards per carry last season (fourth worst).
McDonald was the second defensive tackle off his board, and the sixth defensive lineman overall.
The more I watch McDonald’s tape, the more I can see this being the pick. Sure, the Bears need to bolster the pass rush, but they also need to shore up the run defense. He’s a powerful 326-pounder who controls the line of scrimmage.
Check out Kiper’s mock and let us know if McDonald would be your pick if the real draft fell this way.
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