Kayden McDonald 2026 NFL Draft: scouting report for Ohio State, DT
Everything you need to know about Ohio State star DT Kayden McDonald’s game, from pros and cons to a pro player comparison ahead of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 326
Year: Junior
Pro Comparison: Kenny Clark
2026 NFL Combine Results
Kayden McDonald, Ohio State, DT
- Hand Size: N/A
- Arm Length: N/A
- 40-Yard Dash: N/A
- Vertical Leap: N/A
- Broad Jump: N/A
- 20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
- 3-Cone: N/A
Pros of Kayden McDonald
- McDonald is an immovable force that swallows up a hole as quickly as it forms in the run game
- His play strength is next level, often throwing centers and guards off their spots, a perfect skill to take with him to the pro level
- Uses his strength well as a power rusher and prevents quarterbacks from stepping up in the pocket
Cons of Kayden McDonald
- Has shorter arms than many NFL talent evaluators typically covet for a defensive lineman, and it limits his ability to corral a ball carrier
- He isn’t going to test as an elite athlete, which will deter some teams from using a top 50 pick on him, even though he is a nose tackle
- If his power rush isn’t working, he doesn’t have an effective second move as a pass rusher right now
Background
McDonald is a former four-star recruit out of Georgia. He played a key role on the Ohio State Buckeyes’ defense in 2024, which led the team to a National Championship. His most prominent role came this past year, though, as he was one of the leaders for one of the best defenses in the country for Ohio State.
Player Evaluation
If a team is looking to upgrade their run game, then McDonald has to be someone they consider using a premium pick on in the 2026 NFL Draft. You can’t teach someone to have his play strength, and he should get on the field early as a rookie. He also has the potential to be a much better pass rusher than many realize.
A to Z Rankings
A to Z Big Board Ranking: 26th, DT2
A to Z Draft Grade: 8.33
Draft projection: Late first-round
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