NFL scouts are split on the top DT in the 2026 NFL Draft — why the Bears should take a close look at their assessments on two options
The Chicago Bears have a glaring long-term need in the interior of the team’s defensive line and two 2026 NFL Draft prospects stand out as potential options for the team to consider drafting.
The Chicago Bears have been routinely linked to the top defensive linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft with defensive tackle standing out as a more glaring need than edge rusher.
While the Bears added multiple free agents on the interior, all of those additions were one-year deals with rotational veterans. After the 2026 season, the Bears have serious questions about the interior of their defensive line with four notable players set to depart and even questions about Grady Jarrett’s future after this upcoming season.
Unfortunately, the 2026 class is viewed as a top-heavy group at the DT position, which explains why the Bears added so many veterans to the room. However, the Bears will have the option to take one of the top players within the first two rounds.
A to Z Sports’ Destin Adams and Ryan Roberts spoke to various scouts around the NFL to determine the top players at each position in the draft. The scouts had different opinions on the DT position, but their assessments of two particular prospects should be something the Bears take a close look at.
Kayden McDonald
The two DTs in real consideration for the Bears with the 25th overall pick, saying they go that direction on Thursday night, is Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald and Clemson’s Peter Woods. McDonald is more likely to hear his name called on opening night but some question his fit in Dennis Allen’s scheme.
Allen prefers smaller, more explosive, interior pass rushers. McDonald is a massive unit of a player that excels against the run more than being an impactful pass rusher. Given Chicago’s issues against the run, he’s a valuable player to potentially add and one the Bears brought in for a Top-30 visit.
Four scouts had McDonald listed as the top DT in the class and one quote from an NFC scout shows how the Ohio State monster is actually getting overlooked by the outside media.
“Kayden McDonald doesn’t get enough love for how good he is. He was unblockable for most of the year in the run game for the Buckeyes. He’s the only defensive tackle that got a first-round grade from our team. He gets painted as a high-floor, low-ceiling player, but we think he has a ton of unlocked potential as a pass rusher.” – NFC scout
Gracen Halton
In the second-round, the best fit for Chicago is easily Oklahoma’s Gracen Halton. I firmly believe the Bears have a higher grade on this guy compared to consensus and believe he’s the best fit for Allen’s type in the entire class.
General manager Ryan Poles attended the Oklahoma Pro Day and I’m willing to bet Halton is one of the non-reported Top-30 visits that the team is trying to keep under wraps. An AFC Scout was even higher on Halton and believed he could get late first-round consideration. Personally, I’d rather see Chicago attempt to land him at pick 57.
“Halton has next-level explosion off the snap that catches your eye immediately on film. You feel it even more when you’re on the field with him, watching him work up close. He can be a scary pass rusher out of the interior. I don’t know if someone will do it, but I wouldn’t be shocked if someone is willing to use a late first-round pick on him.” – AFC scout
