2026 NFL mock draft: Texans select All-American DT in Round 1

Will the Houston Texans make a pick at No. 28 in the upcoming NFL draft later on this month? And if so, what position will be the top target?

In the newest three-round mock draft from The Athletic, Nick Baumgardner has the Texans using their first pick on the defensive side to shore up the defensive line. While offensive line remains a top priority, finding a long-term replacement for Sheldon Rankins at defensive tackle seems ideal following free agency.

Baumgardner has Houston going back to Columbus in Round 1 for the first time since 2023 to select Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.

"The Texans have done a great job on the edge up front, pairing young star Will Anderson Jr. with Danielle Hunter. Up next: adding to their interior," Baumgardner wrote. "McDonald is a big, powerful, ascending three-down defensive tackle."

Already viewed as a fan favorite to land in Houston, McDonald has to visit NRG Stadium since the NFL combine for a top-30 visit. He also met with the Texans for a formal interview at the combine and followed up with the staff at Ohio State's Pro Day late last month.

A native of Texarkana who later moved to Georgia, McDonald might not fit the typical mold of what DeMeco Ryans has historically searched for in defensive tackles, but perhaps that's promising since variety could only bolster the defensive front. More than anything, the Texans need productive players. Enter McDonald, who was the anchor to one of college football's best run defenses last season under longtime NFL defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.

As for the rest of the draft, Baumgardner has Houston finding a stable left guard option past 2026 with the selection of Texas A&M's Chase Bisontis at pick No. 38. Adding Bisontis would bring a solid overall balanced playmaker to the roster and serve as a future play on shoring up the trenches.

And while Houston inked three-time Pro Bowler Wyatt Teller to a two-year deal this offseason, he could be the perfect stopgap option while Bisontis gets prepared for next season.

At pick No. 59, Baumgardner has Houston going back to Ohio Stadium to add cornerback Davison Igbinosun. While Houston doesn't need a starting cornerback this season, that could change within a year should Kamari Lassiter make it clear he's leaving for free agency after his rookie contract expires in 2027. Igbinosun, a two-year starter for the Buckeyes, plays a physical approach at the line of scrimmage when asked to guard receivers, an ideal demenaor for a Ryans' defensive front.

Finally to close out the mock, Baumgardner targets an offensive tackle in Florida's Austin Barber. While not NFL-ready, Barber's frame and footwork should allow him to compete with Blake Fisher for the swing tackle job entering a new year. He potentially could shift inside to guard, thus giving Houston several options toward retooling the offensive line.

Houston currently holds eight picks in the 2026 NFL draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25. To read all of Baumgardner's picks, click here.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans 2026 Mock Draft: Houston targets Ohio State DL Kayden McDonald