Final Report

Kayden McDonald a run stopping force out of Ohio State. McDonald has the form of an average nose tackle. He's stocky at 6'2" and 326 lbs and he packs a ton of power in his lower half. In 2025, McDonald had 3 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and 65 total tackles. McDonald led all IDLs with 30 run stops and 13.8% run stop rate. McDonald is probably the best run stuffer in this draft class. He has powerful hands that snap back IOLs immediately. He does job of bringing his legs with him also, resulting in him quickly driving blockers into the backfield often before they can reset. McDonald also has great eyes and can quickly shed towards the ball carrier and make plays himself. McDonald will cause probably the majority of the time if left single blocked. When double teamed, however, he also has good success. He anchors well, absorbs contact, keeps his gap maintained against doubles/combo blocks. His only limitation is his ability to pursue plays laterally do to his physical makeup. As a pass rusher, McDonald is more of a pocket pusher but he has some room to improve at the next level. He might not be great on extended plays but he has rare power and good enough hand fighting ability to be more a threat in pass rush. McDonald can fit any scheme. He'd probably be at his best as a 3-4 nose or a 1-technique in a 4-3 scheme. He's extremely naturally gifted at a two-gapping and will make some linebacker group very happy in the NFL by keeping them clean like he helped do for Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese.

Recommended Position

IDL

Round Grade

2nd Round

Player Comp

Reduced Sugar Dexter Lawrence

Scheme Fits