The 2026 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Kayden McDonald NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Defensive Lineman
School: Ohio State
Size: 6-foot-3, 326 pounds
Class: Junior
2025 stats: 65 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 pass defended, 1 fumble recovery, 2 forced fumbles
McDonald was a four-star recruit in the class of 2023 who joined Ohio State out of the state of Georgia. McDonald didn’t play too much as a freshman, recording one tackle and o.5 tackles for loss. In 2024, he registered 19 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. His play helped Ohio State win the national championship. As a full-time starter in 2025, McDonald totaled 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks. He helped the Buckeyes make the CFP again in 2025.
Following the CFP, McDonald declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a first or second round pick.
McDonald has great size for an NFL interior defensive lineman. He stands at 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, which puts him right at home on the interior of an NFL defensive line. With his size, he displays great strength. McDonald is able to push blockers backwards, both when defending the run and the pass. He can win one-on-one matchups pretty well and may command double teams at the next level. McDonald has strong hands to really pop offensive linemen.
His proficiency is in his run defense. He uses his strength and leverage to help him shed blocks. McDonald follows the ball well and is a threat to pursue ball carriers. He racked up a lot of tackles for a player at his position. McDonald can attack gaps very well against running plays to really create some havoc.
For his size, McDonald moves pretty well. He has solid acceleration and can get a good jump at the snap. This can put offensive linemen in recovery mode and can help his teammates make plays, even if he doesn’t. He can really attack gaps well for a player his size because of this early acceleration. McDonald has decent agility and speed for a player of his size as well, which helps him make so many tackles and tackles for loss.
McDonald won’t add the most as a pass rusher. He can push the pocket at times, but it isn’t frequent. McDonald needs to develop a pass rush plan, add more pass rush moves and more counters to his game to become a more effective pass rusher. Right now, McDonald could start his career as a two-down player while he develops his pass rush.
While he has good size, McDonald doesn’t have the greatest length for a defensive lineman. He can struggle to shed quickly at times because of his lack of length. McDonald will be going up against some long-limbed offensive linemen at the next level and he’ll have to make sure his technique is solid to help him win his matchups.
For a player with his size and strength, McDonald could take on double teams better. He can be too aggressive in taking on double teams and attacks them and loses his leverage. McDonald can work on holding his ground and taking up blocks to free up his teammates to make plays.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Draft Grade: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
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