The Houston Texans have updated their defensive depth chart after selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. McDonald, a key player in the Big Ten, is expected to enhance the Texans' defensive front.
Key points
Kayden McDonald was selected in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft
The Texans had a 12-win season in 2025, their best since 2012
McDonald was a key player in the Big Ten with 65 tackles last season
The Texans have lost three divisional round playoff games since 2023
Kayden McDonaldDeMeco RyansHouston TexansNFL
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.
"Scouts, coaches, everybody, collective group, everybody liked the talent. Young player, but he's grown. He shows the strength in the run game," DeMeco Ryans said on Saturday. "He shows the ability to get off blocks and finish. We're very excited to add a young defensive tackle to that room, and I know he'll flourish with the guys that he'll be learning from.”
This offseason, Houston brought back Sheldon Rankins for the defensive line and bolstered the secondary with the arrival of Reed Blankenship from Philadelphia. They also signed Logan Hall from Tampa Bay to bolster the run defense while bringing back E.J. Speed as linebacker depth.
In the draft, Houston added four new pieces, including linebackers Aiden Fisher and Wade Woodaz, along with defensive back Kamari Ramsey.
So, what does the roster look like headed into the draft?
Let's dive in and see the newest additions, plus how they will fit into the lineup.
Q&A
What impact will Kayden McDonald have on the Texans' defense?
Kayden McDonald is expected to strengthen the Texans' defensive front, contributing to their run defense and overall performance.
How did the Texans perform in the 2025 NFL season?
The Texans finished the 2025 NFL season with 12 wins, marking their best performance since 2012.
Why was Kayden McDonald available in the second round of the draft?
Despite being projected as a first-round pick, McDonald fell to the second round, allowing the Texans to secure him.
What are the Texans' playoff struggles since 2023?
The Texans have lost all three of their divisional round playoff games since DeMeco Ryans became head coach in 2023.
Related Articles
MLB·Feature
Cardinals prospect Joshua Báez is making it harder to ignore a looming call-up decision
Joshua Báez, a 22-year-old prospect for the St. Louis Cardinals, is making a strong case for a call-up due to his impressive performance in Triple-A. His recent power surge includes six home runs, with three in just four games, highlighting his elite barrel rate and consistent ability to produce strong contact.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Ex-Alabama DL pleads guilty to impersonating NFL players in $20M fraud scheme
Former Alabama player Luther Davis pleads guilty in $20M fraud scheme impersonating NFL stars.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Man Utd beat Brentford to close on Champions League berth
Manchester United beats Brentford 2-1, closing in on Champions League qualification.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Vicente Luque calls out ex-UFC middleweight title challenger
Vicente Luque targets Jared Cannonier after UFC debut win
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA·Preview
How to live stream Thunder vs Suns: NBA Playoffs, TV channel
Don't miss Thunder vs Suns Game 4 on April 27! Here's how to watch.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Oklahoma earns commitment from big-time defensive tackle prospect
Oklahoma Sooners secured a commitment from defensive tackle prospect Sione Felila for the 2027 recruiting class. Felila, from Hesperia, California, chose Oklahoma over several top programs including Notre Dame and Oregon.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Dec 27, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Dec 27, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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.
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.
Aug 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) reacts after a defensive play during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Aug 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) reacts after a defensive play during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) walks off the field after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) walks off the field after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock (2) celebrates scoring a touchdown with safety Jalen Pitre (5) during the second half of the NFL Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 12, 2026.
Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock (2) celebrates scoring a touchdown with safety Jalen Pitre (5) during the second half of the NFL Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 12, 2026.
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock (2) runs against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock (2) runs against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images