Published 12 days ago • loading... • Updated 11 days ago
Texans fortify the trenches, taking Rutledge in Round 1 and McDonald in second round of NFL draft
Houston added two linemen and a tight end, with Keylan Rutledge going at No. 26 and Kayden McDonald at No. 36 to address run-game needs.
The Houston Texans addressed their biggest needs in this year's NFL draft by trading up two spots to select guard Keylan Rutledge with the 26th overall pick, shoring up their struggling interior offensive line.
To bolster their defensive front, General manager Nick Caserio selected Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald with the fourth pick in the second round, calling him the best run defender in the draft after recording 60-plus tackles.
Houston added Michigan tight end Marlin Klein with the 27th pick and Oklahoma guard Febechi Nwaiwu in the fourth round; Klein is a 248-pound blocker while Nwaiwu started 11 games at right guard last season.
Coach DeMeco Ryans praised McDonald's strength and ability to get off blocks, while Caserio called Klein's addition a "no-brainer." Both additions aim to improve a defense ranked among the NFL's best last season.
Caserio dismissed trade rumors about star receiver Nico Collins this weekend, stating "We're not trading Nico Collins." The Texans completed their draft with selections of Wade Woodaz, Kamari Ramsey, Lewis Bond, and Aiden Fisher.