[2026 NFL Draft/2-36] Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Awesome

Welcome to H-Town Kayden, you must be a fine man/role model. This is what it's all about.

May all of your dreams come true.

 

We've played a lot of asymmetric defensive fronts where Kayden might have a natural advantage in a 0-2 technique. But this might be weighted toward third downs where Kayden might be sitting initially. He's just different enough from our DTs since 2023 that how they'll play him remains a mystery.

 

One of his best qualities is the number of tackles he makes as a NT/DT. That's a bit unusual, but speaks well to his awareness and pursuit skills.

 

Crazy to think they had Styles, Reese, McDonald and Downs on defense.

 

Honestly, can’t believe we got this dude. Perfect fit for our defense and IMO the best DT in the draft. I felt, outside of CB3, this was our weakest position defensively.

 

And he's only 21 years old.

 

Somehow we managed to get 2 impact players with our first two picks when we were expecting 1 again. At least that's the way I choose to look at it. We may look back on it the same way we do now with the CJ and WAJ draft.

I expect CJ to do well with the changes to the OL and hopefully a healthy RB. My biggest concern is not his heart, but his head and whether he can avoid concussions. Every concussion makes him more susceptible to additional concussions. If I remember correctly, he has lost games specifically to concussion in each of his first three pro seasons so far. I want to see him use all the protection available to minimize additional brain injury from concussions. This means wearing the Guardian or similar helmets.

 

Yep and I get a warm feeling when I think IU still beat them.

 

I hope he gets double-teamed a whole lot.

 

If they dont double team him, then people will start talking about him like they did rookie Chris Jones. Not many OG's are going to be able to block him 1 on 1. Plus he's going to be motivated because he fell to the 2nd rd. Top 15 talent in this draft IMHO. He was a big reason Styles and Reese looked so good because he was constantly being double teamed.

WA/Mac/Rankins/Hunter, yeah can you feel the heat coming. Also look for Azziz to have an even better yr than last yr.

 

Man, I'm excited to watch this young man play. This line is going to be a monster. With the talent in the secondary able to hold their own and with this defensive line...I just dont see how teams can score much against this defense.


No jinx!

 

I love seeing this ****--thanks for sharing @Fulgore! I hope this young man truly wants to be GREAT and uses the 1st rd snub to fuel his energy in a positive way. I wasn't keen on spending high draft capital on a DT because I liked some projected later, but so far this young man is making me really glad we got him. Keep it up big'em!!