Kayden McDonald
DTOhio State
Projected
1st Round
Height
6' 3"
Weight
326 lbs
Age
TBD
Year
Jr
Games
34
Snaps
679
Scheme
TBD
Role
NT
Player Summary
McDonald is a thickly built DT from OSU, broke out as a 2025 starter after limited 2024 backup duty, posting high interior production (47-65 tackles, 8 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles). He dominates run defense with natural leverage, knock-back jolt on contact, excellent recognition, gap penetration, disruption of wide-zone schemes, accurate sheds to defend both gaps, and strong rally/tracking—leveraging rare size-strength-athleticism to recover from poor positions as fundamentals improved late-season. Pass rush shows bull-rush power, active hands, and closing burst but remains underdeveloped: slow hands/power activation, no quick-win moves, limited lateral width/edge threat, and ooze rather than collapse. Vulnerable to displacement (up to 3 yards) by doubles or hip-to-hip blocks when pads rise. McDonald projects as a run-focused even-front nose tackle with starting potential; 1st-round upside if technique refines further.
Strengths
• Good Size, Thick Build, Massive Legs • Natural Leverage Under Interior • Athleticism Boosts Recovery Well • Excellent Run Defender • Can Consume Double Teams • Solid Pocket Collapser
Weaknesses
• Block Recognition • Poor PR Motor and Technique • Below Average Height/Length • Little Upside in PR • Reliance on Athleticism Fails Against Higher Competition