Kayden McDonald, an Ohio State defensive lineman, was invited to the NFL Draft green room but went undrafted. This unexpected outcome left him waiting all night without hearing his name called in the first round.
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.
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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:
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Kayden McDonald was invited to the NFL Draft green room because he was expected to be picked in the first round.
Going undrafted means that Kayden McDonald was not selected by any NFL team during the draft, despite being a highly regarded player.
Not being drafted could affect Kayden McDonald's chances of joining an NFL team, but he may still have opportunities through free agency or tryouts.
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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.