Your Houston Texans 2026 Draft Class

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: A screen shows Keylan Rutledge of Georgia Tech after being selected 26th overall by the Houston Texans during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images Th-th-th-th-that’s all folks. For the Houston Texans, their 2026 NFL Draft has come to an end.

If you haven’t watched all seven rounds of the draft, like a lunatic or a football blogger, then allow me to show you who the Texans came away from the Draft with along with a brief rundown on each player. Day One Round 1 (26) – Keylan Rutledge; OL Georgia Tech 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. His pass protection range is average, and edge leakage could be a concern against NFL athletes. Rutledge has the toughness to earn a role as a good backup with starting potential.

Day Two Round 2 (36) – Kayden McDonald; DT Ohio State Overview A talented run defender, McDonald plays with natural leverage and rattles pads with his initial contact. He’s quick to locate ball-carriers, play off of blocks and rally to the action. His technique is a bit underdeveloped and he’s not a natural drain-clogger against double teams, but he still managed an unusually high tackle rate as an interior defender.