Bears take predictable path in PFF’s first-round 2026 NFL mock draft

Pro Football Focus published a new 2026 NFL mock draft this week, and they have the Chicago Bears doing what most fans expect they will — or at least, should — in the first round.

Currently slotted to pick 25th overall, PFF has the Bears selecting Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald.

“The Bears’ top priority this offseason should be reinforcing the defensive line, whether inside or off the edge,” PFF’s Max Chadwick wrote. “McDonald stands out as the premier interior option, owning an 89.0 PFF grade that leads all college defensive tackles by more than two points, along with a nation-best 92.2 PFF run-defense grade.”

Chicago Bears are expected to go defense in Round 1 of 2026 NFL Draft

McDonald profiles as the type of interior defender who fits what the Bears are trying to do under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. He brings functional power, heavy hands, and the ability to anchor against double teams while still offering enough lateral quickness to disrupt run lanes.

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McDonald isn’t just a space-eater; he can reset the line of scrimmage, shed blocks with leverage, and collapse the pocket. Those traits translate cleanly to early-down production with the upside to grow into a more complete three-down contributor.

As the Bears’ offense continues to develop around Caleb Williams, the defense needs to control games without relying solely on edge pressure. An interior presence like McDonald would allow the Bears to improve against the run, keep linebackers clean, and force offenses into predictable passing situations.

By default, that helps unlock Monez Sweat and Austin Booker in those obvious passing downs.

A first-round investment in a high-floor defensive lineman isn’t flashy—but it’s exactly the type of move that strengthens the foundation of a roster built to compete deep into January. Adding McDonald, along with the healthy return of 2025 second-round pick Shemar Turner, would significantly improve the Bears’ defensive line in 2026.