Since the Chicago Bears’ 2025 season didn't end after Week 18, that meant discussions about the NFL Scouting Combine and the draft were put on hold.
For a Bears team that hadn't made the playoffs since the 2020 season prior to this year, that was a welcomed outcome.
Now that the Bears are among the 28 teams not competing for the Super Bowl, the floodgates can open on the draft and on which prospects the Bears should zero in on to help improve their team next season.
What are the Bears projected to select in the 2026 NFL Draft?
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. recently released his predictions for Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft. You have to scroll down a little bit to find the Bears’ selection and summary at No. 25 overall, but Kiper has Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald as the selection.
“The Bears are in "best player available" territory," Kiper said. "Edge rusher would obviously be a target, but once Akheem Mesidor went off the board at No. 20, the value disappeared at the position. Maybe Texas A&M's Cashius Howell? But why not kick inside and address the interior? Gervon Dexter Sr. is entering a contract year, Grady Jarrett will be turning 33 and most of the depth behind those two -- namely Andrew Billings and Chris Williams -- is headed toward the open market.
McDonald had a huge breakout season, showcasing power and quickness with 67 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. And considering Chicago was gashed for 5.0 yards per carry this season, it could use a solid 326-pound presence up the middle."
Shouldn't be a surprise that Kiper has the Bears addressing the defensive line with the 25th overall pick. According to Pro Football Focus, McDonald finished with a 92.1 run defense grade, ranking him first among interior defensive linemen. The Ohio State junior also forced two fumbles, which was the most among IDL.
When it comes to stopping the run, it's tough to find a better interior defensive line prospect than McDonald. His production pressuring the quarterback does need some improvement. According to PFF, he has 13 total quarterback pressures since 2023.
McDonald did play on a Buckeyes defense that will have several players drafted, so that easily could have impacted the pass-rushing numbers. He also played only 564 total defensive snaps over three seasons.
Read more: Ben Johnson got honest about potentially losing members of Bears coaching staff
Can he develop into a better pass rusher? There is no reason to say he can't, but adding a player of McDonald's talent would help bolster Chicago's defensive line.