NFL Analyst Discusses Updated and Upgraded Texans Roster

NFL Analyst Discusses Updated and Upgraded Texans Roster

The Houston Texans are a better team than they were before the 2026 NFL draft. It's a phrase every franchise wants to be true for their team, but one that so few can honestly claim.

The Texans entered the draft with clear needs along the offensive line. They made sure to address those needs with two big-time offensive linemen. More than that they looked to add key contributors that could make a real difference from the get go.

Houston Texans analyst Cole Thompson of USA TODAY Touchdown Wire discussed what the team was able to accomplish in its 2026 NFL draft class. Here's what Thompson relayed on his early takeaway from the defensive side of the draft. It starts with defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.

"Will Kayden McDonald only destroy any team's chances of thinking they have a shot against the Houston Texans more?

The AFC South franchise is fresh off its 12-win season since 2012, following a dominant run from the defensive front. The only problem? The Texans are 0-3 in divisional round playoff games since the run of the DeMeco Ryans era started in 2023. That why targeting the Ohio State defensive tackle in the second round seemed like a no-brainer.

The 6-foot-2, 326-pound defensive tackle was considered by many to be a lock for the first round. Since he fell into Day 2, it became clear that Houston would be back on the market. Last season, as the anchor of the No. 1 run defense in the Big Ten, he totaled 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in his final season at Ohio State."