Evaluating the Texans’ Day 2 Draft Selections of McDonald and Klein

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The Houston Texans entered Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear identity: a team that refuses to be bullied. After moving up in the first round to secure Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge, Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans doubled down on the "trench warfare" philosophy during Friday night’s action in Pittsburgh.

By the time the sun set on Acrisure Stadium, the Texans had walked away with two intriguing prospects: Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald and Michigan tight end Marlin Klein. Here is a look at why this Day 2 haul signals a "best player available" approach meets a "toughness-first" culture.

The Anchor: Kayden McDonald (No. 36 Overall)

In what might be the steal of the second round, the Texans jumped on Kayden McDonald at pick 36. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at a massive 326 pounds, McDonald isn't just a space-eater, he is a disruptor.

• The Fit: Walking into a defensive line that already features Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter is a dream scenario for a rookie nose tackle. While the edge rushers create chaos, McDonald’s primary job will be to collapse the pocket and swallow up double teams.
• The Impact: Last season, Houston’s defense was stout, but adding a true "even-front" nose tackle gives Ryans the flexibility to move other pieces around. If McDonald can refine his hand technique, he could become the long-term successor to the aging veterans on the interior.

The Project: Marlin Klein (No. 59 Overall)

With their second pick of the night, Houston went to the reigning Big Ten pipeline, selecting Michigan’s Marlin Klein. This pick has sparked some debate among draft analysts, as Klein was projected by many as a Day 3 developmental talent.