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What happened to Kayden McDonald? Why Ohio State star wasn't drafted despite being in NFL Draft green room originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Kayden McDonald was invited to the green room in Pittsburgh for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Usually, the league only invites players they expect to be picked, because the second and third rounds aren't until the following day. But on Thursday night, the Ohio State defensive lineman wasn't drafted.
That meant he waited all night only not to hear this name called in the first 32 picks.
It's certainly an unfortunate break for McDonald.
2026 NFL DRAFT HQ:Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available
What happened to Kayden McDonald?
McDonald was a bit of a borderline first-round candidate and ended up simply not being chosen. It's just the way the draft board worked out.
He's expected to be back in Pittsburgh on Friday night, though, as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told him he'd still like to give McDonald that draft stage hug when his name is finally picked:
BEST DRAFT NAMES: Ephesians Prysock | R Mason Thomas | DeVonta Smith | Zxavian Harris
Plenty of teams could use help along their defensive lines.
McDonald also has the positive Buckeyes energy going -- Ohio State has produced so many good NFL players in recent years.
He shouldn't have to wait too long to hear his name called.
More NFL Draft news:
- Chiefs make a shocking draft trade
- Commanders get Sonny Styles after historic NFL Draft Combine
- Steelers' 1st-round pick didn't play football until college
- Eagles and Cowboys have made a trade like this before
- Browns' pick is really about Shedeur Sanders' replacement
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