Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald sits n the green room during the during the first round NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Doug Benc/Associated Press
For the second consecutive night, the Houston Texans moved up a couple spots to get a player they wanted.
On Thursday, it was Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge.
On Friday, it was Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, who was largely considered the best at that position in this draft class.
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Later in the second round, the Texans drafted Michigan tight end Marlin Klein at No. 59.
The two second-round picks drew drastically different reactions from the Texans’ fan base. On one hand, fans were ecstatic that Houston was able to acquire a first-round talent in the second round. On the other, fans were confused that the Texans drafted a tight end that many thought was a later-round pick.
But Houston, which wanted to add depth at both defensive tackle and tight end in hopes of improving its play at the line of scrimmage, trusted its own board.
Why was Kayden McDonald the pick at 36?
McDonald, 21, was the first defensive tackle in Ohio State history to become a unanimous All-American in 2025 after finishing with 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles in 14 games.
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He was projected as a late first-round pick but was there at No. 36, and Houston traded up two spots to make sure no other team would draft him. In moving up for McDonald, the Texans traded Nos. 38 and 91 to the Las Vegas Raiders for Nos. 36 and 117.
McDonald is a different type of defensive tackle than the Texans have used in the past. Early in his tenure, coach DeMeco Ryans favored lighter defensive tackles. But his opinions have changed some as teams have focused on stopping the run.
“We felt McDonald was probably the best run defender in the draft,” general manager Nick Caserio said. “Had a really productive season. Defensive tackle that was involved in 60 tackles or 60-plus tackles, whatever it is. It’s pretty impressive.”
Aside from the fact that McDonald is considered an elite run defender, the Texans also have a need at defensive tackle after parting ways with four this offseason.
They currently have four defensive tackles under contract: Tommy Togiai, Sheldon Rankins, Naquan Jones and Logan Hall.
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But Houston likes to rotate four defensive tackles and wanted to add competition at worst and another key rotational player at best. They got that in McDonald.
Why Marlin Klein was the pick at 59
While the Texans considered moving back from their slot at No. 59, and even had a couple of deals in place that ultimately fell through, they also were OK with taking Klein there.
“For us, Marlin was kind of a no-brainer,” Caserio said. “A guy we really liked. His story is really impressive.”
Klein grew up in Germany, where he played soccer and basketball. At 15, and without knowing English, he moved to a boarding school in Georgia to play football.
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He was recruited by Michigan, where he spent four years and was a member of the Wolverines team that won the national title over Washington at NRG Stadium in January 2024.
“It’s been quite the journey, it was tough too,” Klein said. “But it’s been a blessing. I think God has put me in the position I’m in for a reason.”
Klein didn’t have the starts or the stats as some of the other tight ends in the draft. He finished with just 24 catches for 248 yards and a touchdown in 2025.
But in their hunt for a tight end, the Texans were looking for one whose strengths were in blocking to complement their running game or a tight end who could both run and catch.
“Runs well, 6-5, 250 pounds,” Caserio said. “He runs 4.6. You know, I would say his best football is probably in front of him, but the type of player that has the right mentality, the right mindset, good work ethic, really smart.”
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What’s next in draft for Texans?
The Texans have four picks Saturday: Nos. 106 and 117 in the fourth round, No. 141 in the fifth round, and No. 243 in the seventh round.
Caserio said some of the players they’ll be considering were the same players they were considering drafting at No. 91 before they made the trade to move up for McDonald.
The Texans have several positions they could address, including center, wide receiver, linebacker, edge rusher, cornerback and running back.
Based on those needs, Miami cornerback Keionte Scott, South Carolina safety Jalen Kilgore, Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr., Auburn center Connor Lew and Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt are options.
Nico Collins trade rumors
On Thursday, there was a report by Jordan Schultz of the Schultz Report podcast that teams had called the Texans to inquire about a potential trade for wide receiver Nico Collins.
Caserio didn’t deny that teams made calls, saying teams make calls about players all the time, but he did indicate — in emphatic terms — that the Texans won’t be entertaining any trade offers for their star receiver.
“We’re not trading Nico Collins,” he said. “Whoever reported it or whatever information that they had, I mean, they can take it and shove it. We’re not trading Nico.”