The Chicago Bears desperately need more help for their run defense in 2026 and a prospect from Ohio State, who believes he's the team's top target in the first round, would be exactly what the team needs.
The Chicago Bears need help along the interior of their defensive line, and more specifically, they need someone who can play the run. Chicago finished with the sixth-worst run defense in the NFL last season and starters Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter both posted putrid run defense grades, perWhen it comes to adding a run-defense upgrade in free agency, the pickings are slim at this stage, so the Bears' best option for more help may come in the 2026 NFL draft.
In fact, McDonald has even gone as far as to say he believes he's the Bears' No. 1 target with the No. 25 overall pick.. “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.”McDonald would be just what the doctor ordered for Chicago, as he's widely viewed as the best interior run defender in the draft., per PFF, and tallied a whopping 33 defensive stops. The Ohio State star showed some pass-rush prowess, also, with four sacks. McDonald isn't lacking confidence, either. He believes his exceptional power is what makes him a difference-maker. “I’m just a powerful player,” McDonald said. “You know what you’re going to get out of me. I’m the strongest guy on the defense, and I’m a natural. Football comes easy for me.”ahead of the draft, where they'll get a closer look at the promising prospect. When putting it all together, we'd peg McDonald as one of the top targets for the Bears in the first round.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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