The Texans selected Keylan Rutledge to enhance their offensive line, focusing on run blocking. They aim to address additional needs on the defensive line and tight end positions for future success.
Key points
Texans drafted Keylan Rutledge to enhance offensive line
Rutledge is an All-ACC lineman capable of playing guard or center
Interior offensive line was a top need for the Texans
Texans aim to strengthen defensive line and tight end positions
Future additions may include depth at defensive end, wide receiver, or linebacker
Houston TexansKeylan RutledgeC.J. Stroud
Keylan Rutledge comes to Houston as the newest member of the Texans' offensive line.
It's a smart pick for the franchise that wanted to upgrade its run blocking. Rutledge, an All-ACC offensive lineman with the chops to play either guard or center, provides that and more as potentially the top interior lineman in the class.
“This guy is all ball,” general manager Nick Caserio said. “Doesn’t care about anything else. He wants to punch you in the mouth and that works here.”
The Texans have addressed one need. Interior offensive line was considered one of the top two options for Houston when on the clock at No. 28. While they moved up to No. 26, they still landed a player who could be a plug-and-play starter and a foundation for the future with Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud under center.
That doesn't mean the job is done. The Texans must add more to the defensive line and tight end room to feel confident about making a deep postseason run. Targeting a true center might not be the worst plan, either. Don't be surprised if Houston adds depth at defensive end, wide receiver or linebacker for 2027 and beyond.
Here's a look at 15 players who could be in play for the Texans at some point on Friday evening.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025. Ohio State won 42-3.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025. Ohio State won 42-3.
Ohio State DL Kayden McDonald
McDonald was considered a top-three consensus defensive tackle prospect. Some thought he would have been the pick for the Texans at No. 28 if they stood pat, but instead he suffered the draft day tumble and landed on Day 2.
Teams should be aggressively looking to move up to land McDonald's services. The 6-foot-2, 326-pound defensive tackle was an All-American in 2025 and is considered one of the top run defenders in the class. He was near unstoppable in some of the biggest games last season, including showdowns against Texas, Michigan, Indiana and Miami.
Q&A
Who is Keylan Rutledge and why was he drafted by the Texans?
Keylan Rutledge is an All-ACC offensive lineman drafted by the Texans to improve their run blocking and potentially serve as a starter.
What positions does Keylan Rutledge play?
Keylan Rutledge can play either guard or center on the offensive line.
What other positions do the Texans need to address after the draft?
The Texans need to focus on adding depth to the defensive line, tight end, and possibly a true center.
How does Keylan Rutledge fit into the Texans' future plans?
Rutledge is seen as a foundational player to support Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud and improve the team's overall performance.
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Will the Texans trade up twice? Probably not, but McDonald should be the first option should he land at pick No. 38.
Georgia defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) arrives with the team before the start of the G-Day spring football game in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Georgia defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) arrives with the team before the start of the G-Day spring football game in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Georgia DL Chrsten Miller
This was actually Texans Wire's pick in their final mock draft to come off the board first. A two-year starter under Kirby Smart, Miller is coming off a flawless season, recording 23 tackles and two sacks for the Bulldogs in 2025. As another top-notch run stopper, it's hard to envision the Texans not looking at Miller as a top option should be land at pick No. 38.
Oct 18, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young (9) moves in to tackle Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young (9) moves in to tackle Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
Missouri DE Zion Young
Rutledge could be a starter at center, but he also could be the long-term replacement for Wyatt Teller starting in 2027. Could Houston draft a talent like Young to be the replacement for Danielle Hunter? As one of the draft's biggest risers, Young excelled in his final year with the Tigers, finishing second in the SEC with 16.5 tackles for loss to go along with 53 pressures. He fits all the criteria Caserio loves in terms of depth, so it wouldn't be the biggest shock.
Oct 18, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) runs with the ball in the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) runs with the ball in the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
There was a report that said the Texans could be interested in moving off Pro Bowler Nico Collins for the right price. That didn't happen, but that doesn't mean that Houston won't eventually look for players to replace the standout receiver. A do-it-all No. 2 target, Bernard was everywhere for the Crimson Tide last fall, totaling 62 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns. He also worked in some jet sweeps and motions, totaling 101 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns. It's certainly an option Houston could consider.
Aug 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Colorado State Rams during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Colorado State Rams during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Washington WR Denzel Boston
Round 1 wideout? Probably not. A Round 2 phone call to Seattle? Definitely worth talking about. Boston was the best receiver in Washington for two seasons, totaling 125 catches for over 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns. He's a go-getter and a vertical threat who would elevate the Texans' passing game.
Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen (3) looks on during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen (3) looks on during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Georgia LB C.J. Allen
Experienced and athletic, Allen earned the respect of Smart and was voted a team captain on defense for two seasons. He started three straight years and finished back-to-back with the team lead in tackles, tackles for loss and forced fumbles. The Texans have two linebackers on expiring contracts, so given his read and reaction time, plus elite football IQ, Allen should be on a short list of names Houston potentially targets the second level of the defense.
Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Davon Booth (6) runs the ball as Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) makes the tackle during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Davon Booth (6) runs the ball as Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) makes the tackle during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr.
Hill's playing style just screams a Ryans' "S.W.A.R.M." mentality after serving as the top tackler in Austin for two years. A finalist for the Butkus award, given to the nation's top linebacker, Hill did everything as a high-end rate, but was at his best in open-field tackling. It's easy to see why, with Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o entering contract seasons, the Texans could go linebacker earlier than expected.
Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Jayden Higgins (9) battle for a few yards as getting tackle by Texas Tech Red Raiders' linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) and defensive back Bralyn Lux (0) during the first quarter in the week-10 NCAA football at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Jayden Higgins (9) battle for a few yards as getting tackle by Texas Tech Red Raiders' linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) and defensive back Bralyn Lux (0) during the first quarter in the week-10 NCAA football at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez
It would be the most Texans pick of all time for this to happen and honestly, it wouldn't be a bad option. A top-five finish in the Heisman Trophy race last season, Rodriguez proved he could be a stable option at the second after totaling 128 tackles and picking up 11 tackles for loss, four interceptions and six pass breakups. He'd be a fan favorite with the neck roll in Houston.
Florida Gators offensive lineman Jake Slaughter (66) and Florida Gators tight end Arlis Boardingham (8) walk off the field during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 7, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]
Florida Gators offensive lineman Jake Slaughter (66) and Florida Gators tight end Arlis Boardingham (8) walk off the field during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 7, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]
Florida OL Jake Slaughter
Rutledge could just be a full-time guard, which is why center shouldn't be off the table if the right one falls into Round 3. Slaughter, to some, is viewed as the top center in this class after starting for four seasons at Florida. He was a two-time captain and won All-American honors back-to-back years. While perhaps not the top name, Slaughter should be in the running.
Sep 27, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Connor Lew (75) sets the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Sep 27, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Connor Lew (75) sets the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Auburn OL Connor Lew
Everything said about Slaughter could be duplicated for Lew. He was considered a fringe Day 1 prospect entering the year, but a torn ACL suffered in October stunted his draft stock. A team captain and two-year starter with the Tigers, the All-SEC lineman has been regarded as athletic and quick, and strong at the point of attack and capable of getting to the second level.
Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (71) blocks the rush during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (71) blocks the rush during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Texas A&M OL Chase Bisontis
Instead of having Rutledge start at guard, what if the Texans permanently moved him over to center? One would assume that guard long-term would be a move back on the table. Bisontis was a three-year starter at Texas A&M, where he was the anchor on the interior and known for his prowess in run blocking. He wouldn't have to start right away and would certainly continue to show that the Texans have plans on bettering the offensive personnel.
Oregon offensive linemen Iapani Laloulu, left, and Emmanuel Pregnon line up as the Oregon Ducks host the Montana State Bobcats on Aug. 30, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon offensive linemen Iapani Laloulu, left, and Emmanuel Pregnon line up as the Oregon Ducks host the Montana State Bobcats on Aug. 30, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon OL Emmanuel Pregnon
Again, a move inside to center for Rutledge would mean Houston could double-dip at guard prospect. Pregnon is a bit older and could be competing for starting reps, which might be warranted since he earned All-American honors during his lone season at Oregon. Much like everyone else, the 320-pound lineman is known for his dominant run-blocking, but might have more refined footwork in pass protection.
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) points down the field during a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) points down the field during a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
Tennessee DB Jermod McCoy
This is a reach, but given that Houston needs depth and could eventually move on from Pro Bowler Kamari Lassiter, McCoy, in theory, makes sense. McCoy was arguably college football's best cornerback in 2024 and has all the tools teams covet in a shutdown cornerback. An ACL injury wiped out all of the 2025 season for him and a second surgery could be in the works. McCoy is a first-round talent but would the Texans be willing to basically redshirt a player for nearly two years?
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) is stopped by Auburn linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr. (0) during the third quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025.
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) is stopped by Auburn linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr. (0) during the third quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025.
While the Texans have Dalton Schultz under contract, they have to start looking for a second option in the passing game that can be stable as a blocker. When lined up in the slot, Stowers showed he was a willing hitter for run protection. He also served as a security blanket for Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia for three seasons between stops at New Mexico State and in Nashville.
Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell (9) reacts during first half of the first round game of the CFP National Playoff against the Miami Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell (9) reacts during first half of the first round game of the CFP National Playoff against the Miami Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Texas A&M DE Cashius Howell
Trying to target a long-term running mate for Will Anderson Jr. could be a top priority for Houston. Howell started his college career at Bowling Green before transferring to Texas A&M. He became one of the SEC's best pass-rushers after leading the conference with 11 sacks. As a unanimous All-American, this feels like a player ready to burst onto the scene by midseason.
