NFL Draft 2026 Review: Houston Texans

The Houston Texans started off last season with an 0-3 record. Normally, teams that start off 0-3 do not make the playoffs. However, the Texans finished the season with a nine-game winning streak to qualify as a Wild Card team in the AFC (12-5).

Houston made it to the Divisional Round last season, but lost 28-16 to the New England Patriots with QB C.J. Stroud throwing four interceptions in the game. Another big issue in that game is that the Texans only rushed for 53 yards. Houston addressed the running issue by trading for RB David Montgomery. Now, we will take a look at who the Texans selected in the NFL Draft in order to reclaim the AFC South Division.

Round 1, Pick 26: Keylan Rutledge - OG - Georgia Tech. 6'4", 316 lbs.

Rutledge started all four years during his college career, and he will contend for a starting position at guard for the Texans. If he does not end up starting, then he will provide valuable depth for the interior of the offensive line.

Round 2, Pick 4: Kayden McDonald - DT - Ohio State. 6'2", 326 lbs (65 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 pass deflection, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery).

McDonald excelled at defending the run with the Buckeyes. He is able to make big tackles along with not being pushed back too many plays along the line. He will definitely be contending for a starting spot at defensive tackle.

Round 2, Pick 27: Marlin Klein - TE - Michigan. 6'6", 248 lbs (24 rec, 248 yds, 10.3 yds/rec, 1 TD).

Klein has been added as a blocking TE for the offensive. However, he has shown that he can become a pass-catcher in the future. He should see plenty of time in two and three TE offensive formations.

Round 4, Pick 6: Febechi Nwaiwu - OG - Oklahoma. 6'4", 319 lbs.

Nwaiwu played at guard and at center for the Sooners during his college career. His versatility will add depth to the offensive line for the Texans.

Round 4, Pick 23: Wade Woodaz - LB - Clemson. 6'3", 236 lbs (70 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, .5 sacks, 3 pass deflections).

Woodaz will add depth at inside linebacker for Houston. His strengths are defending against the run and covering TE's on pass plays.

Round 5, Pick 1: Kamari Ramsey - S - USC. 6'0", 202 lbs (27 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 2 pass deflections).

Ramsey dropped a little in this draft due to missing three games last season due to injury. If he is able to get back to his play in 2024 where he had 60 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss where he was effective against the run, then the Texans will have a steal in the fifth round.

Round 6, Pick 23: Lewis Bond - WR - Boston College. 5'11", 190 lbs (88 rec, 993 rec yds, 11.3 yds/rec, 1 TD).

Bond could possibly see some time as a backup slot receiver where his possession-receiving skills could blossom.

Round 7, Pick 27: Aiden Fisher - LB - Indiana. 6'1", 232 lbs (97 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 INT, 1 pick-six, 1 pass deflection, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery).

Fisher is undersized at inside linebacker, but he may see some time on passing downs because he is an effective blitzer.

Overview: The Texans prioritized the trenches because the team does not have too many weaknesses. Houston could have drafted a receiver higher in this draft, but fixing things along the offensive line will allow for the receivers to play overall this upcoming season.

Grade: C+.

Disclaimer: All viewpoints in this post do not reflect the views of the representatives of Vocal Media.