The Buffalo Bills have invested heavily in their defensive tackle group. Alas, their run-funnel defense reared its ugly head in 2025, culminating in another disappointing playoff exit, which could point them to Ohio State standout Kayden McDonald.
McDonald is widely considered the best run-stuffer in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He's been identified as an ideal target for the Bills — on multiple occasions — because his biggest strength is their glaring weakness. ESPN's Peter Schrager added fuel to the fire by projecting Buffalo to take the 2024 national champion with this year's No. 26 overall pick.
Keep in mind that Schrager's first-round predictions are "based on what [he's] hearing," not personal preference. His sources indicate there's "significant first-round buzz" surrounding McDonald, who "would be a good fit in Buffalo."
Bills fix run defense by selecting Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald in full first-round 2026 NFL mock draft
Schrager cited the Bills’ inability to limit foes on the ground as the driving factor behind McDonald’s forecasted arrival, and understandably so. The team finished tied with the Dallas Cowboys for the most rushing touchdowns allowed last season (24). Buffalo's defense also came in at 30th in yards per attempt (5.1) and 28th in rushing yards per game (136.2).
Enter McDonald, who established himself as a nightmare for opposing backfields throughout an excellent final collegiate campaign at Ohio State. He posted nine tackles for loss and Pro Football Focus' third-highest run-defense grade (91.2) out of 913 qualified interior defenders, including the postseason. His outstanding efforts merited Consensus All-American honors.Â
Measuring in at 6-foot-2, 326 pounds, McDonald is a massive human being. He leverages his sheer size and power to muck things up along the front line. His ability to seek and attack ball carriers enables him to close running lanes quickly, as exemplified by a strong 1.5-yard average depth of tackle.
A disruptive presence whose skills translate well to the next level, McDonald has the makings of being the gap-filling early-down force Buffalo desperately needs. His 30 stops led the position; adding him to a Bills stop unit that ranked 22nd in ESPN’s run stop win rate could do wonders.
Nevertheless, it’s fair to wonder if the Bills are willing to spend a first-rounder on a defensive tackle. They used two of their first four selections last offseason on the position (T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker). Not to mention, veteran Ed Oliver is signed to a lucrative contract that goes through 2027.