Finding a Defensive Tackle in Every Round for the Texans
DeMeco Ryans has plenty of choices if he finally wants to make the investment
The Houston Texans have options at defensive tackle, but they can always add more. The offseason plan to fill out the room has been executed well by general manager Nick Caserio.
Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai are starters who return from last year. Logan Hall will help the Texans at defensive tackle. Veteran Naquan Jones played well as a fill-in last year and has a chance to make the team. Last year’s rookies, Kyonte Hamilton and Junior Tafuna, are still around.
If DeMeco Ryans wanted to make a further investment in his defensive interior, there are options. The Texans aren’t afraid to add competition.
Yeah, that's the balance. Again, if we just stick to, let's get the players that we feel fit our profile and get them in the building. We can't ever have a shortage of whatever. At some point, if we have to make a decision to either, A, insert that player at the expense of another player, or, B, move on from another player. That's the cost of doing business. Again, it's a delicate balance of you draft this player but maybe there's three or four other guys already at that position. What does that mean? I don't know, maybe it means one thing this year but it could potentially mean one thing next year. But you don't really know that. Get the right players with the right mentality with the right mindset, create as much competition as possible.
-Nick Caserio on adding players behind established NFLers
Here is a defensive tackle for the Texans in every round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
First Round: Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
McDonald is a run-stuffing wizard. He is big and mean. He is a force to be reckoned with on first and second down. In passing situations, well, did I mention how good he is on first down and second down? Jokes aside, the ferocity on early downs against the run is absolutely useful for the Texans, who haven’t had a player quite like McDonald in the time that DeMeco Ryans has been the coach.
He rotated at Ohio State and will rotate with the Texans. McDonald was a one-year starter as well, so there is hope that there is still growth in his game. He had a few pass-rush moments, but there needs to be growth there if he intends to be on the field for all three downs. He should be available, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him slip off the board before the 28th pick.
