HOUSTON — The 2026 NFL draft begun Thursday night in Pittsburgh. The three-day event continues with Rounds 2-3 on Friday and will conclude Saturday (noon ET) with Rounds 4-7.
The Houston Texans made their first pick in the first round at No. 26 after trading up two slots.
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.
Picks:
Round 2: No. 59
Round 4: No. 106
Round 3: No. 117
Round 5: No. 141
Round 7: No. 243
