In a recent interview from Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo, we have gotten a nugget about one of the Chargers’ potential targets in the first round of this year’s draft. Ohio State’s Kaydon McDonald, one of the draft’s top defensive tackle prospects, told Melo during a recent interview that he met formally with the Chargers while at this year’s NFL Combine.
The Bolts have somewhat of a need at defensive tackle, mainly due to a lack of depth behind Teair Tart, Jamaree Caldwell, and the recently-signed Dalvin Tomlinson. While that may be three names, the Chargers like to rotate their lineman extensively and will need more than just the three usable players at that spot.
McDonald was a unanimous All-American for the Buckeyes in 2025, on top of being named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. In his first season as a starter, McDonald broke out with 65 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, a pass deflection, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. In his previous two seasons with Ohio State, he had just two tackles for loss and no sacks to his name.
Knowing what the Chargers have done this offseason thus far, it’s hard to imagine them taking a defensive tackle with the 22nd pick when both guard spots could use an immediate upgrade, even with Cole Strange seemingly signing on as a starter. If offensive guard ends up not being the pick at 22, then it must be the pick at 55. Coming away without a new guard in the first two round would be a travesty and I know for certain no one in the fan base wants to see that happen.
But other than all of that, what are everyone’s thoughts on this pick? Would you like to see McDonald drafted by the Bolts? Would you be just “okay” with it or would it be a wasted selection? Let us know your thoughts below!
