NFL Analyst Discusses Updated and Upgraded Texans Roster

The Houston Texans are a better team than they were before the 2026 NFL draft. It's a phrase every franchise wants to be true for their team, but one that so few can honestly claim.

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The Texans entered the draft with clear needs along the offensive line. They made sure to address those needs with two big-time offensive linemen. More than that they looked to add key contributors that could make a real difference from the get go.

Houston Texans analyst Cole Thompson of USA TODAY Touchdown Wire discussed what the team was able to accomplish in its 2026 NFL draft class. Here's what Thompson relayed on his early takeaway from the defensive side of the draft. It starts with defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.

"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."

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (97) celebrates a sack of Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) with defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98). Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Some Texans fans no doubt believe that Kayden McDonald is the steal of the draft.  Chicago Bears fans will say the same of their draft pick in safety Dillon Thieneman as will Cowboys fans say of Ohio State safety Caleb Downs in their draft. There might be a little truth in all claims.

The Texans did what some may call a reach with the No. 26 pick in selecting Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge. Rest assured, they made as popular a second pick with McDonald as they made a controversial one with Rutledge.

Both players have the potential to be great in the league. Albeit with McDonald at pick No. 36, the Texans add a player that some thought they could take at the end of the first round.

The Texans got better in the draft. They will look to prove it on the field in September.

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