The Chicago Bears could be about to overhaul the defensive line.
With Gervon Dexter’s name circulating in trade rumors just after the NFL Combine, along with a need to add quality depth up front to bolster Chicago’s run-defense, it wouldn’t be surprising to see general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears prioritize selecting a defensive tackle early in April’s 2026 NFL Draft.
Chicago Bears’ target Kayden McDonald opens up about what powers his game
Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald has frequently been linked to the Chicago Bears in various mock draft projections this spring, and he could be the kind of interior pass rusher who becomes a significant upgrade along coordinator Dennis Allen’s defense.
“I pride myself on being a complete player,” McDonald said, during an appearance on the Between The Hashmarks Podcast. “On early-downs, I gotta stop the run, and on third downs, I push the pockets. If I can’t get there, I get my hands up.
“The way I can take my game to the next level is turning my pressures into sacks, and give my offense the chance to get the ball, go down the field, and score to win. That’s how I’m going to turn my game up once I get to the league.”
McDonald, 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, is the rare breed of player who is as dominant against the run as he is collapsing the pocket and generating pressure up the middle on opposing quarterbacks.
Last season, McDonald produced a career-high 65 total tackles with three sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
And, while McDonald takes significant pride in stopping the run, the former Ohio State standout says he boasts a deep repertoire of pass rush moves as he aims to become a “complete’ Player at the next level.
“I’ve got a couple,” McDonald said, of the moves in his pass rush tool box. “I’ve got a quick-swim move, and a power rush to my club rep.
“Just, really, I play off my effort. You watch the film, you know those four-quarter games, in the biggest games, I show up, and I show up at a high level.”
With the draft looming and the interior of the line in flux, McDonald’s ‘big game’ pedigree could be exactly what the Bears need to transform a weakness into a definitive strength in 2026.
Bears predicted to release key starter to save $7.4 million in cap space
Read MoreFor More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
