Why If Dennis Allen Has His Way, Kayden McDonald Will Be Bears’ 1st Round Target

Since 2023, the Chicago Bears have spent four 1st round picks. All four were on the offensive side of the ball. The results speak for themselves. The team had its first top 10 unit in 12 years, led by Caleb Williams, Darnell Wright, Rome Odunze, and Colston Loveland. One has to think GM Ryan Poles is fully prepared to finally break that trend, giving defensive coordinator Dennis Allen some help. After all, despite leading the league in takeaways, the Bears’ defense was 29th in total yards and 23rd in points allowed.

That is not good enough.

While you never want to outright reserve a 1st round pick for any side of the ball months in advance, it is hard to imagine the Bears don’t go defense. The only question is who they may target. After digging into Allen’s history as a defensive coordinator, it isn’t hard to pinpoint who that will be. Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald feels like the obvious choice. It’s not only because the Bears have a serious need on the defensive line, but also because of what the young man offers.

The best Dennis Allen defenses owned the middle.

Look back over his best units in New Orleans between 2018 and 2023. Almost invariably, you will find they had a dynamic interior presence. It started with Sheldon Rankins, a 1st round pick in 2016. Though hampered by injuries at times in his career, he’s been a high-quality interior pass rusher when healthy. Next came David Onyemata, a stout powerhouse who combined excellent run defense with steady pass-rush production. Last but not least was Bryan Bresee, another 1st round pick, who was much the same as a solid run defender with pass-rush upside.

This is where McDonald comes in. For the first two years of his college career, most chalked him up as a tough and powerful nose tackle who would carve out a role as a run-stopper. Then he broke out in 2025 with three sacks and nine tackles for a loss, showcasing his considerable athletic prowess and advancing pass rush techniques. That fits the same profile Dennis Allen seemed to covet with Bresee, Onyemata, and Rankins. Don’t be shocked if he ends up being the pick at #25 this April if he’s available.