How the 2026 Houston Texans Draft Class Fits This Upcoming Season
Any starting upside to these players?
The 2026 NFL Draft is done. The Houston Texans added eight players over the three days of the NFL Draft.
How do they fit the current roster? Let’s dive in.
26th Overall - OL - Keylan Rutledge - Georgia Tech
The top pick for the Houston Texans, and their first selection in the first round since Will Andersion Jr., doesn’t have a defined role. Rutledge is a mauler who played almost every snap at right guard in college. The Texans brought veteran Ed Ingram back on a massive multi-year contract to play right guard. The team added veteran Wyatt Teller to play left guard.
Beating out those two veterans isn’t impossible. Aireontae Ersery beat out Cam Robinson last season to be the team’s starting left tackle. Robinson might have been an easier foe than Teller or Ingram at this point in their careers. Another position presents a different set of challenges.
The Texans need better production from their center in 2026. Rutledge didn’t play center, but he was the emergency center for Georgia Tech, and he spent the offseason working on snapping the football. While he might have a physical advantage over all the other center candidates, they possess vastly more experience.
Jake Andrews played center for the Texans last season. Jarrett Patterson has played center for multiple seasons in the NFL. Evan Brown previously played center in his NFL career. Eli Cox played center at Kentucky.
Rutledge has competition wherever the team intends for him to land. He said last week he isn’t afraid to compete for his spot.
36th Overall - DT - Kayden McDonald - Ohio State
It’s quite the win for the Texans to add what many believe is the best defensive tackle in the draft. McDonald mentioned the team told him they thought highly of him. General manager Nick Caserio reinforced their belief in McDonald’s place within this draft class.
While there are experienced veterans in his position, McDonald possesses the size and run-stuffing ability that his new teammates don’t. He is an early-down player until his pass rush moves develop. DeMeco Ryans spoke about his ability with an excitement that indicated he has more pass-rush prowess than he showed in college. McDonald might end up being a steal for the league’s best defense.
As a bonus, for a team trying to get better at running the football, McDonald presents an excellent test case for improving the rushing attack.
