2026 NFL Draft First Round Review
ORLANDO , FL - DECEMBER 27: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge (77) protects the pocket during the Pop-Tarts Bowl between BYU Cougars and the and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images And just like that, a surprisingly brisk three hours later, the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books. If you had “Nick Caserio was obviously going to trade up in the first round.
Obviously,” in the pool, please come forward to claim your prize. It’s me, I called it. No, not really, but the Texans did trade up, even if it was a pretty small leap by Caserio standards.
The Houston Texans went into tonight with the 28th overall pick and a glint of hope in its eye. As the draft went on, there were some things that were expected (Fernando Mendoza going first to Las Vegas, Roger Goodell’s exact same opening “c’mon let’s hear it” that he’s given every year since he discovered how truly unpopular he is) and some that weren’t (Carnell Tate to the BESFs, Ty Simpson being drafted by the Rams WHUUUUUT?? ).
But then the 26th pick rolls around and the Texans decide to trade up with the Buffalo Bills. The Texans gave up their 69th and 167th picks to move up to spots and get Buffalo’s 91st pick. All of that so the the Texans could draft Keylan Rutledge, a guard from Georgia Tech.
With more about what we can expect from Rutledge, here is the NFL’s scouting report on him as written by Houston’s own Lance Zierlein: Overview Rutledge is a burly, experienced right guard with excellent contact pop and a rugged field demeanor that will appeal to offensive line coaches. He excels as a drive/combo blocker, where he displaces defenders, but he has the athleticism to operate in all run-blocking concepts. He understands technique but suffers from occasional rough patches due to inconsistent balance and body control.