Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald is remaining in Pittsburgh for the second round of the NFL Draft after going unselected on Thursday night, according to @AdamSchefter of ESPN.
Following the conclusion of the first round, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell personally visited McDonald to offer encouragement after the prospect was not taken in the opening 32 picks. Goodell extended a personal invitation for McDonald to return to the draft theater on Friday night so the Commissioner could congratulate him on stage once he is officially drafted.
McDonald, a key piece of the Buckeyes' defensive front, was considered a potential late first-round candidate by many analysts heading into the event. Despite the slide, he is widely expected to be among the first players off the board when the second round begins tonight. His presence in the green room was a notable storyline as the first round wrapped up, leading to the rare personal outreach from the Commissioner.
The second and third rounds of the NFL Draft are scheduled to resume this evening, where McDonald will look to finalize his path to the professional ranks. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see which team secures the talented interior lineman early in the night's proceedings.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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