Houston Texans' 2026 NFL draft picks: Full list, analysis

HOUSTON -- The 2026 NFL draftwrapped up on Saturday after three days in Pittsburgh.

With their first pick, theHouston Texanstraded up two sptos to No. 26 to select GeorgiaTech guard Keylan Rutledge.

Here's a look at the Texans' selections and what you need to know about them:

Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart

Round 1, No. 26:Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech

My take: Rutledge played mainly right guard in his college career but during his media availability said he's "comfortable" playing center. The Texans have potential starters in guard Wyatt Teller and Ed Ingram with Jake Andrews at center. Rutledge played some center snaps at the Senior Bowl and told local reporters that he's prepared to play left guard, center or right guard. Texans general manager Nick Caserio said Rutledge has an "elite" makeup and was the one prospect that all the scouts were unanimous on.

When will he be expected to get regular playing time?Week 1. Rutledge's mauling run blocking play style is something Caserio praised, which led to Houston selecting him. Caserio added that Houston's offensive identity will be to "run the ball" and said that's an area the Texans wanted to improve from last season after ranking 22nd in rushing yards per game (108). He was an All-American last season, so the Texans are adding a decorated talent and they have shown if you're drafted early, you will play early.

What we're hearing about: Rutledge made it clear what his play style is. "[I want] to punch someone in the face up front and set the tone. That's what I do, that's what I'm gonna bring everyday." He will bring a physical presence to Houston's offensive line room. He also wants to be a key reason why Houston gets over the divisional round hump and potentially play for a Super Bowl.

Round 2,No. 36:Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

My take:McDonald was viewed as one of the best defensive tackles in the draft, and Houston traded up two spots to get him. He thrives on stopping the run and while that wasn't a weak spot for the Texans last season, he's a different body type as he's almost 330 pounds which makes him ideal at taking on double teams. That should help free up the linebackers to shoot running lanes and help Houston play more two-high safety looks.

Wild-card category: McDonald was named first-team All-American, Big Ten Conference defensive lineman of the year and was a finalist for the Outland Trophy (nation's top interior lineman). The Texans can always use someone with that resume after finishing with 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks last season. That many tackles from a defensive tackle is elite, especially considering he faced double teams throughout the season.

Round 2,No. 59:Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan

My take: Klein had 364 receiving yards in his career, so the hope is he can provide depth to a tight room led by Dalton Schultz. Houston selected Cade Stover in 2024, but he has dealt with injuries causing him to have only 27 catches in two seasons. Klein will have plenty of opportunities to earn playing time behind Schultz, as the No. 2 spot is up for grabs.

What are we hearing about Klein? He has a unique story. Klein is from Germany and played soccer until early high school before he decided he wanted to play football. Eventually, he connected with former Colts first-round pick Bjoern Werner, who started a non-profit called Gridiron Imports Foundation. The organization aims to grow football internationally by providing opportunities to play football and pursue an education in either the high school or college level in the United States. That sent him to a boarding school in Georgia and eventually earned a scholarship to Michigan.

Round 4, No. 106 overall: Febechi Nwaiwu, G, Oklahoma

My take: Nwaiwu fills a depth need for the Texans, who need young rookies on the interior to develop. Houston has been paying a lot of their defensive guys big money and have to add someone cheap and young for roster management purposes. This draft pick can help with that.

Round 4, No. 123 overall: Wade Woodaz, LB, Clemson

My take: Woodaz had 28.5 tackles for loss in his four year career at Clemson. He'll fill a depth role in the linebacker room and can learn from Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

It also gives Houston a potential replacement just in case if linebacker Henry To'oto'o were to leave in free agency next year, as he's a pending free agent in 2027.

Round 5, No. 141:Kamari Ramsey, S, USC

My take: Ramsey has good speed having run a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the combine. He started his career at UCLA in 2022 before transferring to USC in 2024, so he didn't play alongside Texans current safety and former USC standout Calen Bullock, butthe expectation as a fifth-round pick is to provide depth behind Reed Blankenship and Bullock.

Round 6, No. 204 overall: Lewis Bond, WR, Boston College

My take: Bond is a 5-foot-10 wideout who had 2,385 receiving yards in his five-year college career. The Texans wideout room is deep with Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, Tank Dell and Xavier Hutchinson. So Bond will be in an uphill battle to make the roster.

Round 7, No. 243 overall: Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana

My take: Fisher had 328 tackles in his career and will have the opportunity to compete for a depth role in the Texans' linebacker room. He can also find a role on special teams; that will increase his odds to make the 53-man roster.

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