With the 2026 NFL Draft coming up in just two weeks, the Los Angeles Chargers have multiple avenues they can go towards with their first-round pick to help their team. However, one player in particular could be the perfect pick for the Chargers as they look to improve their roster.
Round 1, Pick 22 | DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
The Chargers have been looking to add a true difference maker in their interior defensive line group after missing out on DT Derrick Harmon last year to the Pittsburgh Steelers just one pick ahead.
McDonald fits the bill as that elite defensive lineman. The 2025 All-American selection was a two-year starter for the Buckeyes and was an integral part of their defense, particularly as a run stopper.
At 6’2 326 lb, McDonald was third in the entire nation in combined tackles amongst DTs with 65. It’s an absurd number that simply doesn’t happen without elite play recognition. He also had a 91.2 run defense grade according to PFF, with a 13.8% run stop rate that led all qualified interior defensive linemen. He’s a game changer.
His presence allows your defense to get into those 3rd & long looks where you can unleash your pass rush on obvious drop-back situations.
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Just look at the Seattle Seahawks, for example, who arguably had the best defense in the NFL last season, which in no small part won them Super Bowl LX. A huge component of that was thanks to DTs Byron Murphy II and Leonard Williams, enabling the defense to set up in obvious 3rd down situations.Â
How He Fits In Chris O’Leary’s Chargers Defense
As a true nose tackle who played over 400 of his snaps between the A and B gaps, he really helps unlock this defensive line for first-year defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary. Both newly extended Teair Tart and second-year player Jamaree Caldwell are more suited as pass-rushing types of interior defensive lineman who live in that 3 technique and 4i spot.
Unfortunately, they were asked to play that head-up 0 technique throughout the season, which limited their opportunity and ability to display their pass rush. McDonald fixes that.
While McDonald won’t be a major factor as a pass rusher himself, recording just 9 TFL’s and 3 sacks this season, it’s the hidden production he gives to those around him that matters.
The true Junior from Texarkana, Texas, still has room to grow, having just turned 21 years old back in March, making his ceiling that much higher. McDonald’s combination of quickness and football IQ is simply hard to pass up, and what makes him one of the more sure-fire picks in a draft class that’s been largely underwhelming.
Thoughts, Bolt Fam?