The second day of the NFL Draft has just wrapped up and the only thing I can think is one thing:
This defense is gonna be FUN next year.
They were great last year, this year could be downright special.
First, let me get you caught up if you’ve been watching other Houston sports games (I understand that was an unfortunate experience based on what I saw on Twitter).
The second and third rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft happened tonight, but the Texans only had two picks in the second round.
They traded up two
spots with their first second-round pick to select Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. McDonald is a run-stuffing nightmare who will hopefully be the last piece of the puzzle for the Texans.
After that pick, my mind kept running through the names:
Will Anderson
Danielle Hunter
Sheldon Rankins
Derek Stingley
Calen Bullock
Jalen Pitre
Kamari Lassiter
Azeez Al-Shaair
With McDonald clogging up the middle and living up to even half his potential, this could be an all-time defense.
That all being said, I’m gonna feel like I’m overshadowing the other player the Texans took in the second round; tight end Marlin Klein.
Klein was a tight end at Michigan who did not get a ton of playing time. In fact, Klein’s entire college career consists of 12 games where he scored a single touchdown. His scouting report shows he’s most likely to develop into a more traditional blocking tight end but Caserio and Ryans clearly see potential in Klein and I’m inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt; because In DeMeco We Trust.
The Texans selections so far are as follows:
1-26 Keylan Rutledge G, Georgia Tech
2-35 Kayden McDonald DT, Ohio State
2-59 Marlin Klein TE, Michigan
4-106
4-117
5-141
7-243
We conclude the draft tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. CDT.
The Texans pick early in the fourth, please plan accordingly.
