Kayden McDonald — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

The Chargers would love to get offensive line help here, but a blue-chip defensive tackle could be viewed as more valuable than the fifth- or sixth-best O-lineman in the back half of the first round. A unanimous first-team All-American, McDonald had 65 tackles (nine for loss), three sacks and two forced fumbles en route to being named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year.

Under new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, the Raiders are expected to a play 3-4 defense. There is no better option to anchor that scheme than McDonald, who is the best run stuffer in this class and added 3.0 sacks in 2025. He is rugged at the point of attack, using his powerful hands to control interior offensive linemen.

Man, it was difficult to pass on Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell — a Trent McDuffie clone who even said at the combine he models his game after the former Chiefs star. Then again, in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo the Chiefs trust, as he and defensive backs coach Dave Merritt have a long-standing history of turning less-heralded secondary players into stars. In the end, McDonald simply fits too big of a need to pass up at a premium position. He profiles as a disruptive early-down player who should help the Chiefs' run defense right away. — Newell

The Vikings have a few flavors of prospects they could go after with their first-round pick. There are a couple of interesting safety options, they could look to find the T.J. Hockenson replacement in Kenyon Sadiq, or they could add some tangible beef to their defensive line. Brian Flores is going to scheme pressures and big plays for his defense, but the Vikings could use someone to eat up blocks to let teammates fly to the football. McDonald isn't the sexiest prospect, but his ability to hold up against the run is his calling card, while also having light enough feet to be used on the twists and stunts that Flores loves so much. McDonald is basically the defensive version of the line of thinking that led to the Donovan Jackson selection last year at offensive guard: a tangible trench talent who can let the creative coaches be creative.

McDonald gives New England a run-stopping force on the interior. He can do the dirty work and let Milton Williams get up the field.