Chicago Bears predicted to draft Ohio State star

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jan 22, 2026 7:35 PM ET

The Chicago Bears laid the foundation for a championship team in Ben Johnson’s first year as head coach.

The Bears won the NFC North, beat the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Round, and came up one play short of making the NFC championship.

While the Bears overachieved in 2025, the team needs to have expectations of winning the Super Bowl in the next couple of seasons while quarterback Caleb Williams is under his rookie contract.

The offense is set, and arguably has too many pass catchers, which could lead to a DJ Moore trade in the offseason. Chicago needs to invest heavily in the defense during free agency and the draft.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper predicted the Bears to take Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald with the No. 25 pick.

“The Bears are in ‘best player available’ territory,” Kiper wrote. Edge rusher would obviously be a target, but once Akheem Mesidor went off the board at No. 20, the value disappeared at the position. Maybe Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell?

“But why not kick inside and address the interior? Gervon Dexter Sr. is entering a contract year, Grady Jarrett will be turning 33 and most of the depth behind those two — namely Andrew Billings and Chris Williams — is headed toward the open market.”

The Chicago Bears need an edge rusher

NFL: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions Nov 19, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) is sacked by Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat (98) in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Kiper noted McDonald had a big final season with the Buckeyes, recording 67 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.

While the Bears could use another defensive tackle, they really need to draft an edge rusher in the first round. Chicago should have 2025 second-round pick Shemar Turner back at defensive tackle next season.

Turner was expected to be the run stopper Kiper alluded to in his prediction. However, the rookie suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens. He made six tackles and two tackles for loss before the season-ending injury.

What the Bears don’t have is someone to play alongside Montez Sweat.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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