Texans shore up OL, trade up for Georgia Tech star Keylan Rutledge

Big Red? Big Problem for opposing defensive linemen coming to Reliant Stadium in 2026.

The Houston Texans didn't wait for Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge to fall into their lap at pick No. 28. They knew he was destined to be a part of the long-term plan, which is why they traded up two spots to get him.

“This guy is all ball,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “Doesn’t care about anything else. He wants to punch you in the mouth and that works here.”

Initially, fans thought that Houston planned to move on out of Round 1 with the Arizona Cardinals to make the pick for Ty Simpson, but that plan fell apart after Los Angeles shocked the NFL world with the pick of the Alabama starter at No. 13.

Once the run on offensive linemen began, Houston knew it needed to settle on its top pick. The name: Rutledge, a mauler in the trenches who excelled in run blocking during his lone season in Atlanta. The 6-foot-4, 318-pound lineman didn't allow a sack in over 400 pass-blocking reps last season and has position flexibility, having tested at guard and center, helping the Yellow Jackets secure a 10-win season.

“Moving two spots was more of positioning than anything else,” Caserio told reporters Thursday evening. “We felt like there could potentially be some interest in the player, so we felt like, ‘Alright, let’s move a couple of spots.’ ”

Houston did have to pay a hefty price to secure their new offensive lineman in Round 1. The Buffalo Bills were willing to move back, so the Texans surrendered picks Nos. 28, 69 in the third round and 167 in the fifth round for Nos. 26 and 91.

The Texans will still have three picks on Day 2, though one will be 22 spots later. As for now, it's all about the promise of Rutledgue, who, as he puts it, is ready to put "people in the dirt."