The Chicago Bears desperately need a run defense specialist along their defensive line and one analyst has them adding arguably the best in the 2026 NFL draft with the team's first-round pick.
Chicago gave up a whopping 134.5 rushing yards per game last season,Their two starters on the inside of the defensive line, Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter, finished 105th and 107th, respectively, inWith there not being many options left in free agency, the 2026 NFL draft is probably the best bet for the Bears to adequately address their need upfront.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald. | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images In a mock draft from Tarringo Basile-Vaughan of NFLMocks.com, the Bears were predicted to select Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald with the No. 25 overall pick. "The Bears get their defensive run stopper by selecting Kayden McDonald with the No. 25 overall pick," Basile-Vaughan said. "With his physical dominance, the former Ohio State defensive lineman brings attitude, power and that force in the middle of the Bears’ defensive line that could help transcend the defense."In 2025, the 6-foot-3, 326-pound lineman was a menace against the run, finishing with an, per PFF, and nine tackles for loss. That run defense grade ranked first among interior defenders charted by PFF. While it's certainly not his biggest strength, McDonald showed he can get after the quarterback a bit, also, posting four sacks and 10 pressures. McDonald offers a rotational piece who can make an impact against the run right away, and he could also provide a long-term solution if the Bears move on from Dexter and/or Jarrett in 2027. Dexter is entering the final year of his contract and Jarrett, who is going to be 33 next month, is a clear cut candidate in 2027.Linking the Bears to McDonald makes all the sense in the world, and not just because he's a great fit.that he believes he's the "No. 1 guy" for the Bears with their first-round pick ahead of an April 1 meeting with the team.. “I’m their No. 1 guy. That’s what I feel like. They seem very excited to get me up there. They say they like how I play and they like my motor. I play all four quarters, and I’m relentless.” Lieser goes on to add that the Bears have "shown significant interest" in the run-stuffing defensive lineman. If Chicago can come away with McDonald in the first round, it will have been a successful Day 1 for Chicago.MIKE MORAITIS Mike Moraitis is a freelance writer who has covered the NFL for major outlets such as Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News. He has previously written for USA TODAY Sports Media Group and FanSided, and got his start in sports media at Bleacher Report.
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