Top prospect Kayden McDonald wants to go to the Ravens to play with Lamar Jackson

Most NFL draft prospects say they're happy with any team that drafts them. That's not the case for Kayden McDonald. The former Ohio State star knows exactly which team he wants to play for, and the reason is equally compelling: to share the field with Lamar Jackson.

McDonald enters the draft with an 87.6 grade, making him the sixth-best prospect at defensive tackle, according to PFF rankings.

In his junior year with the Buckeyes, McDonald recorded:

• 65 tackles, 31 solo
• 9 tackles for loss
• 3 sacks
• 2 forced fumbles

Most analysts consider the 21-year-old tackle a first- or second-round pick. Regarding this, McDonald has already indicated which team he wants to be drafted by on April 23rd.

McDonald wants to play with none other than Lamar Jackson

In an exclusive interview with Essentially Sports, the former Buckeye admitted, "Any team, all 32 teams, that's in the first round, it would be a blessing to play for any team."

However, McDonald has a favorite team for the Draft. "If I had to pick, it would be the Ravens. I can't pick one, but it'll be the Ravens," he asserted.

Just because I like Lamar Jackson. That's it. No other reason. I'm a big Lamar Jackson fan.

Kayden McDonald

This year, the Ravens have the 14th pick in the first round and the 13th in the second (45th overall), and according to some analysts, they could use one of those picks to bolster their defensive line.

What awaits McDonald in Baltimore?

The Ravens are coming off a tough year defensively and could certainly use some reinforcements, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Nnamdi Madubuike's status.

Madubuike missed 15 games of the 2025 season with a neck injury, and it's not certain he'll be able to return early in the season.

If the Ravens draft him, McDonald would team up with Travis Jones, though he would likely start as a backup to veteran John Jenkins. All of this depends on Madubuike's condition.