Groupthink: Reactions to the Texans Draft and what could have been

Q: What were the reactions to the Houston Texans' draft class?

The Texans' draft class received positive feedback for the first two selections, but later picks were criticized for lacking a clear strategy.

Q: Who is Marlin Klein and why is he significant for the Texans' draft?

Marlin Klein is a key player in the Texans' draft class, expected to have a significant impact alongside other notable picks like Keylan Rutledge and Kayden McDonald.

Q: What positions did the Texans fail to address in the draft?

The article suggests that there were positions the Texans could have better addressed, though specific positions are not detailed.

Q: Which late-round player are Texans writers excited about?

The article prompts writers to share their excitement about late-round players, but does not specify which player garnered the most enthusiasm.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 15: Marlin Klein #17 of the Michigan Wolverines is tackled by Braydon Brus #33 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Wrigley Field on November 15, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Houston’s draft is in the books. While their first two selections were a resounding received with positivity, the rest of the draft doesn’t follow a logical stream of consciousness. The chatter around the draft is heavily centered around Marlin Klein, who will define this class as much as Keylan Rutledge and Kayden McDonald. As the dust settles, I asked the other writers for their thoughts on the class:

Three questions for the writers:

What are your thoughts on the draft class as a whole?
Which late-round player are you most excited about?
Which position do you wish the Texans addressed?

VBallRetired

What are your thoughts on the draft class as a whole? Patrick wondered in private if the NIL was impacting later round depth and that could be an issue but I see two immediate contributors and a couple of opportunities for quality depth here.
Which late-round player are you most excited about? Kamari Ramsey out of USC looks like a potential solid contributor and Caserio has a good track record of drafting secondary players. I love the first two guys. I’m a little baffled by the tight end but I suppose the potential is there.
Which position do you wish the Texans addressed? I really wanted another edge rusher and another running back. There is always the undrafted free agent market for running back though.

L4Blitzer

What are your thoughts on the draft class as a whole? Can’t argue too much with the early selections. Keylan Rutledge should be a mauler for the run game and I love that Kayden McDonald joins this defensive line. I am sure the rest of the division must be like “really, did Houston need him to go with THAT defense!?!?”.
Which late-round player are you most excited about? The rest of the draft…well, I think that the three 4th/5th rounders could evolve into something. However, like VBall and most everyone else noted, really not getting the TE pick in the 2nd round. Remember Benny Joppru? Another Michigan TE taken by Houston in a second round…Joppru ranks among the worst picks in team history. Let us pray history does not repeat itself.
Which position do you wish the Texans addressed? Overall, a solid, if not spectacular draft. Granted, we’ll need to wait at least three seasons to see if this pans out. Would have liked to have seen a solid DE prospect, but there is always next year.

Joe Critz

What are your thoughts on the draft class as a whole? . I liked that they addressed the TE situation with another player that should be able to block well, but I would’ve liked to have seen Georgia TE Oscar Delp or Stanford TE Sam Roush there instead, truthfully. But, overall, I’m pretty happy with this draft class. I REALLY like the Rutledge and McDonald picks at the top of the draft. Overall grade: B-
Which late-round player are you most excited about? I am intrigued by OG Febechi Nwaiwu (pronounced “wee-woo”), LB Wade Woodaz, and S Kamari Ramsey…alright well I would’ve vastly preferred S Zakee Wheatley over Ramsey, but what do I know. Those three guys weren’t at the top of my draft board when they were selected by the Texans, but I still think they were solid picks.
Which position do you wish the Texans addressed? I have to agree with VBall and L4Blitzer on wanting another edge prospect, and I would’ve really liked a bruising kind of RB to complement the physical style Houston is trying to embrace with this draft class. I like David Montgomery and Woody Marks a lot, but I don’t want either of them crashing into a crowded box on 3rd & 1 when Houston could’ve drafted a thicc RB to do that instead.

Kenneth L.

What are your thoughts on the draft class as a whole? The Texans walked away with two starters and just about nothing else. They could and should have left with four given their four picks in the first 69 selections, however they downgraded their early third rounder to a fourth round pick and wasted the 58th pick on a fifth string TE. If they were patient, drafted a defensive end, and drafted a RB, this would be an all-time exciting class. Instead, we are still in need of a veteran depth piece at positions.
Which late-round player are you most excited about? The more I analyze, watch, and project Febechi Nwaiwu in the Texans offense, the more I am excited. Depending on his growth and ability to improve his footwork, he can earn a starting center role. It would push Rutledge to guard, but having two young options who can dominate in the run and pass block as they improve will be a major benefit to the team.
Which position do you wish the Texans addressed? Defensive end is the one where this class was deep, there were multiple who fit what the Texans idealize, and would be instant impact players. Safety wasn’t exactly addressed in an extremely strong class. As well, running back is going to be a major question on this offense.