Unveiled: Why Mel Kiper’s Bears Draft Picks Could Redefine the Entire Season!

When it comes to mock drafts, no one holds a candle to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.—and his latest pre-NFL Combine edition is stirring up quite the buzz. Drawing from insider whispers among league execs, scouts, and coaches, Kiper’s latest selections paint a tantalizing picture of the 2026 draft landscape. Now, here’s the thing: nearly every draft expert I’ve seen is nodding along to the same tune—defensive linemen are the true gems this year, and that lines up perfectly with the Chicago Bears’ pressing needs. Even if the Bears dip into free agency for reinforcements, their first-round pick at 25 screams for a calculated strike on the defensive front. Kiper’s board shines a spotlight on Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald, a monster on the interior line who could provide that crucial push against the run—something the Bears desperately need after last season’s struggles. As I comb through the tape, McDonald’s power and football instincts jump out as a natural fit for the Windy City’s defensive overhaul. Curious about how it all shakes out in Kiper’s vision? Take a closer look and see if you’d back this pick come draft night. LEARN MORE.

The mock-draft OG, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., just dropped his latest, a pre-NFL Combine version, and he’s basing his selections on what he’s hearing from executives, scouts, and coaches around the league.

One thing most draft analysts agree on is that this is a good draft for a defensive lineman, and that’s what the Chicago Bears need. Even if they attack the position on free agency, the Bears could easily double-dip and target the best tackle or end on their board at 25.

Here’s how Kiper has the Bears going in the first round.

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

It’s probably a little early for Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell, Clemson’s T.J. Parker or Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas. The Bears obviously need more edge rush support, but the board just isn’t lining up. But with Gervon Dexter Sr. signed for only one more season and Grady Jarrett turning 33 in April, it would make sense to pad the defensive tackle group. McDonald is actually the DT1 on my Big Board, and he has a nose for the football. He had 17 run stops in 2025. Having him on the interior would be huge for a Bears team that allowed 5.0 yards per carry last season (fourth worst).

McDonald was the second defensive tackle off his board, and the sixth defensive lineman overall.

The more I watch McDonald’s tape, the more I can see this being the pick. Sure, the Bears need to bolster the pass rush, but they also need to shore up the run defense. He’s a powerful 326-pounder who controls the line of scrimmage.

Check out Kiper’s mock and let us know if McDonald would be your pick if the real draft fell this way.