FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald.
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kayden McDonald
Kayden McDonald (DL – Ohio State)
6’3″ – 326 lbs.
Background:
Four-star recruit who played sparingly in 2023 before rotating in for 216 snaps the following year, with 19 tackles (1.5 for loss.) Through the conference championship game this year, has a 57-8.0-3.0 line over 393 snaps in his first season as a starter.
Positives:
Massive nose tackle who broke out this season and put together a monster stat line for one of college football’s most highly-respected programs. Typically a one-technique but can play the zero, and takes some snaps as far out as the three-technique spot. Plays with a physical and tough temperament. Fires out with some explosiveness to his first step. Appears to have very good pop in his hands to jolt defenders on contact and reset the line of scrimmage. Gets good extension with his arms, which appear to have solid length, locking out defenders from his frame. Appears to easily anchor and control opposing blockers, with the heavy hands to discard them when it’s time to make a stop as a two-gapping run stuffer; shows good timing when he locates. Length gives him an impressive tackling radius, and actually makes some flexible adjustments to ballcarriers. Stays on the field on some passing downs and can command double-teams, as he’s got too much functional strength for some interior linemen to block one-on-one, working a strong bull rush. Pass-rushing production was also better than anticipated this season, and shows a little bit of lateral quickness, with a club move as well. Gives effort in pursuit when defending in the screen game.
Negatives:
Has played high snap totals in some games, but has primarily been a rotational player despite starting this season. Ability to locate the ball is closer to average so far, and could improve his ability to quickly recognize keys, as he lacks ideal athleticism to recover positioning if he’s slow to process. Range is limited in pursuit; doesn’t look like the smoothest or most natural mover in space. Would like to see a more consistent commitment to maintaining a low pad level and keeping his legs churning after contact to drive back opponents. Has the occasional problem protecting his legs against cut blocks. Pass-rush/counter repertoire is relatively limited and can be found idling around the line when he doesn’t blow away opponents with strength at the snap.
Summary:
A nose tackle with the physicality and brute force to attack and control blockers as a two-gap run stuffer on early downs, showing the ability to reset the line of scrimmage, lock out opponents, and shed to make stops. While he may not have the ideal profile for a passing-down lineman, he was more effective than anticipated in that role this past year, with more third-down snaps than anticipated. Seems to be getting some first-round hype, but teams might have to be confident in his ability to play every down to value him that highly.
Projection: Round 2
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