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.
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.
Kayden McDonald is expected to strengthen the Texans' defensive front, contributing to their run defense and overall performance.
The Texans finished the 2025 NFL season with 12 wins, marking their best performance since 2012.
Despite being projected as a first-round pick, McDonald fell to the second round, allowing the Texans to secure him.
The Texans have lost all three of their divisional round playoff games since DeMeco Ryans became head coach in 2023.
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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
Potential starters: Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter
Backups: Dylan Horton, Dominique Robinson, Solomon Byrd, Sebastian Harsh*
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.
Starters: Sheldon Rankins, Tommy Togiai
Backups: Kayden McDonald, Logan Hall, Naquan Jones, Junior Tafuna, Kyonte Hamilton
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
Starters: Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o
Backups: E.J. Speed, Jamal Hill, Marte Mapu, Jake Hansen, Jake Hummel, Wade Woodaz, Aiden Fisher, Xavier Thomas
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
Starters: Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter
Backups: Jaylin Smith, Tremon Smith, Ja’Marcus Ingram, Ajani Carter, Alijah Huzzie, Collin Wright*
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.
Starter: Jalen Pitre
Backups: Kamari Ramsey
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
Starters: Calen Bullock, Reed Blankenship
Backups: Jaylen Reed,Kamari Ramsey, M.J. Stewart, Kaevon Merriweather
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans updated defensive depth chart following the 2026 NFL Draft