Texans Thrill With McDonald and Create Confusion With Klein Selections
Two very different values to the two day two selections
The Houston Texans made two selections on day two of the 2026 NFL Draft. They traded up to select defensive tackle Kayden McDonald with the 36th overall pick. The Texans would select Michigan tight end Marlin Klein with the 59th overall pick.
Something the Defense Didn’t Have
Kayden McDonald’s skill set is one of the only things the Houston Texans didn’t have on their elite defense. DeMeco Ryans has a unit flush with talent, but nobody quite like the 6’2” 330-pounder from Ohio State. The body type is different from the rest of the defensive line room.
He is a run-stuffing machine. McDonald punishes opposing rushing attacks with his power, size, and anticipation. He finished his 2025 season with 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks. McDonald rotated, so it is impressive that his tackle numbers are near those of standout teammates Arvell Reece and Caleb Downs.
“You know, 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. The first unanimous defensive tackle, unanimous All-American defensive tackle in history in Ohio State’s program.”
Caserio said he leaned on relationships he had in the building at Ohio State, including former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, to round out their understanding of McDonald. The feedback from the relationships confirmed how the Texans felt about their newest defensive addition.
The trade-up for McDonald was negligible for Caserio, but he undersold his maneuvering. He was nonchalant about the move that dropped the Texans 26 spots, from the back of the third round to the third round. He couched it as what they felt they needed to get the player they desired. He said, “You’re not really doing anything,” but he was wrong.
