The San Jose Sharks Will Be the NHL’s Next Dynasty
Are the San Jose Sharks on their way to becoming the NHL's next dynasty?
Rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald spoke about his first practice with the Houston Texans, praising Defensive Line Coach Rod Wright and emphasizing the importance of following his guidance.
Mentioned in this story
Here's everything Houston Texans rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald said after his first practice since being drafted last month out of Ohio State.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Question: On working with Defensive Line/Defensive Run Game Coordinator Rod Wright
Kayden McDonald: “[Defensive Line/Defensive Run Game Coordinator] Coach Rod Wright, he’s one of the best in the league. He wants everything his way and we’ve got to follow that. You’ve got to stay on that $50 million, $40 million line. You’ve got Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter; those are two All-Pro guys. You just follow that plan and all things are going to work out.”
Q: On meeting some of his new teammates
McDonald: “My teammates, it’s like a brotherhood here. I've got C.J. Stroud here, Cade Stover, a couple of my former teammates here. Everybody is a warm welcome. Staff, training staff, even the dieticians, people that cook the food. It's been a warm welcome.”
Q: On the emotions of draft day and how he’s feeling now
Kayden McDonald praised Coach Rod Wright as one of the best in the league and emphasized the need to follow his guidance.
Kayden McDonald mentioned Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter as the All-Pro players he looks up to.
Kayden McDonald's first practice with the Houston Texans took place after he was drafted last month.
Kayden McDonald plays as a defensive tackle for the Houston Texans.
Are the San Jose Sharks on their way to becoming the NHL's next dynasty?
Cameron Green reflects on Finn Allen's impressive century in IPL 2026
Zack Wheeler could be traded to the Padres, boosting their rotation and fantasy stock.
Vikings start GM search; George Paton extends with Broncos.
Ajinkya Rahane commends Finn Allen's transformation after KKR's victory over Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026.
Vineyard girls tennis continues to dominate the MIAA Division 3 rankings with impressive performances.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
McDonald: “Most definitely, just getting out there with my teammates for rookie minicamp. We've all got energy and enthusiasm. It's a great opportunity. At the end of the day, we want to get to L.A. and win a Super Bowl.”
Q: On the attention to detail he’s getting from the coaches
McDonald: “I would say it's different just because you know you're in the National Football League. Like I said, you follow what the coaches do, and good things are going to work out. I'm super coachable and we're going to work.”
Q: On who he leaned on after the first day of the NFL Draft
McDonald: “Just my brother, my support system, my family. I wasn't going to wait long on Day 2, and like I said, everything happens for a reason. I'm on the best defense in the league.”
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Q: On his conversation with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
McDonald: “Roger [Goodell], he told me that I'm going to be a special guy. He's got a lot of respect for me and I've got a lot of respect for him. It meant a lot to me to come back on Day 2 and walk that stage.”
Q: On his comfort level being out there
McDonald: “Definitely. Coach Rod, he always gets us going. I like the energy and that's what I feed off of. That's what I'm going to give to my teammates.”
Q: On what he’s learned in these first few days here at rookie minicamp
“I would say, like I said, the $50 and $40 million line, Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. You've got Tommy, Sheldon [Rankins], those guys, they follow that track. I stay on that track, and I'll get to that second contract.”
Q: On if he thought Houston could be a potential destination in the pre-draft process
McDonald: “Yes, sir. I thought it all the way through. Texans, they made it clear who the best defensive tackle was. It's a blessing to be here. I'm ready for the opportunity.”
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) takes the field for the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.
Q: If he thought he’d end up in Houston on Day 2 of the NFL Draft
McDonald: “The staff believes in their players and who they draft. I'm just so thankful to be around this great team, this great organization. You've got a coach that really cares about his players, it don't get no better than that. He's really a players' coach and I love him to death.”
Q: On if he’s gotten a chance to speak with DT Sheldon Rankins
McDonald: “Yes, sir. He texted me when I got drafted and just let me know if I need anything. All those guys…Will, I met him at the Rockets game, Sheldon, Tommy, Danielle [Hunter], all those guys. It's a warm welcome. We've all got to go together. We've all got to make this work. We already got one goal and that's to win the Super Bowl.”
Q: On if he knows DT Sheldon Rankins cooks
McDonald: “I know. I got a little grill at the new crib.”
Dec 6, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) reacts before the 2025 Big Ten championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Q: On if it’s sinking in that he’s in the NFL
McDonald: “Being blessed, staying in the moment. You can't take this for granted. I'm walking out here today, and it's like, ‘This is your first day in the NFL.’ It's not a game anymore, it's a job and you got to take it serious.”
Q: On if he’s using his draft position as motivation
McDonald: “Most definitely. Most definitely. Every day coming in helping my team win a Super Bowl. That's why they drafted me.”
Q: On what he would say to kids back in Georgia that are looking up to him
McDonald: “Keep your head on, like I said. Surround yourself by people you want to be around. Don't look back, just keep looking forward.”
Q: On what he wants to take away from these days at rookie minicamp
McDonald: “Just catching up, getting right in that rotation. Like I said, doing what the coaches ask and helping my team win games.”
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.
Q: On what he has to catch up and learn
McDonald: “Just the basics. Just the basics.”
Q: On his goals individually
McDonald: “Win a Super Bowl, Rookie of the Year, All-Pro first year. These are realistic for me. I wrote these down and I'm blessed to be here and I've got a chance.”
Q: On what it is like to come into a league where your skill set is valued
McDonald: “Like I said at draft night, got to help out the defensive ends, get them to second and long, get them to third and long, let Will and Danielle and all the other guys get off the edge. It's going to work out. Three and out, get off the field, give it back to C.J. and go score.”
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans: Everything rookie DL Kayden McDonald said following his first practice