Texans updated defensive depth chart following the 2026 NFL Draft
What should fans expect from the Texans entering 2026? Let's dive in and see the newest additions, plus how they will fit into the lineup on defense.
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.