Houston Texans 2026 NFL Draft: CFN College Football Take on Every Pick

Story by

Pete Fiutak

Tue, Apr 28, 2026 ·

3 min read

Houston had a strange draft.

It had a lot of picks, but it didn't exactly go after players to fill holes. There were plenty of trades, but there wasn't a lot of value with most picks.

There wasn't much to help the pass defense, the running game didn't get any assistance, and at the end of the day, the Texans picked who they picked, and let's see if it works.

Texans Draft Quick Hits

Best Value: Kayden McDonald, DT Ohio State
Biggest Need: Offensive Line
Missed: Pass Rusher
Big Call: Aidan Fisher will make the team

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images — Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.© Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images
(© Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images)

What They Got Right

They got their stars for the middle of the lines.Georgia Tech's Keylan Rutledge was a strong pick considering the Texans needed an anchor of a guard.

And then Christmas came early with Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald lasting until the second round.

What They Missed

No cornerbacks.They had chance after chance after chance to take a decent-value corner throughout days two and three, and they kept passing.

They took tight end Marlin Klein one pick ahead of Ohio State corner Davison Igbinosun , and with Tennessee 's Jermod McCoy still on the board.

Best Value Pick

Kayden McDonald, DT Ohio StateHe's a little squatty for an NFL defensive tackle, but he moves well, dominated at a high level, and he should've gone in the top 15. Instead, he lasted until the 36th overall pick as one of the biggest steals of the draft.

Biggest Reach

Marlin Klein, TE MichiganThey needed tight end help, but Klein is hardly a sure thing with the 59th overall pick. He's more like a prospect to take a shot at in the middle of Day 3, and not with a late pick in the second round.

CFN Draft Grade

Grade: B-
It started well, and then it started to go off the rails with Marlin Klein taken at least three rounds too early, and Oklahoma guard Febechi Nwaiwu going a few rounds too soon in the fourth.

And then they got it back.

USC safety Kamari Ramsey was a huge steal with the first pick in the fifth, and even though it was the seventh round, yeah, you want Indiana linebacker Aiden Fisher on your team.

Houston Texans Draft Class

Round 1, (26): Kenyan Rutledge, OG Georgia Tech
LOVE this. The 26 was a tad bit early for a guard, but you want guys like this for your O line.

Round 2, (36): Kayden McDonald, DT Ohio State
He doesn’t have the right measurables, but he’s a top 20 player who Houston got for a steal.

Round 2, (59): Marlin Klein, TE Michigan
Nope. There were plenty of other good tight ends on the board. He can block, though.

Round 4, (106): Febechi Nwainwu, OG Oklahoma
Guard was a need, but this was a massive reach in the fourth. He could’ve been a UDFA.

Round 4, (123): Wade Woodaz, LB Clemson
Another strange value pick, he was great in college, but he’s more solid than sensational.

Round 5, (141): Kamari Ramsey, S USC
Kaboom. For all the reaches, the Texans crushed this, getting a terrific safety in the fifth.

Round 6, (204): Lewis Bond, WR Boston College
Not a crazy flier, he could be a midrange route runner to go along with the speed elsewhere.

Round 7, (243): Aiden Fisher, LB Indiana
HOW?! A leader for the national champions, Fisher plays four steps ahead of everyone else.

This story was originally published by College Football News on Apr 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL Draft section. Add College Football News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.