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.
“Scouts, coaches, everybody, collective group, everybody liked the talent. Young player, but he’s grown. He shows the strength in the run game,” DeMeco Ryans said on Saturday. “He shows the ability to get off blocks and finish. We’re very excited to add a young defensive tackle to that room, and I know he’ll flourish with the guys that he’ll be learning from.”
This offseason, Houston brought back Sheldon Rankins for the defensive line and bolstered the secondary with the arrival of Reed Blankenship from Philadelphia. They also signed Logan Hall from Tampa Bay to bolster the run defense while bringing back E.J. Speed as linebacker depth.
In the draft, Houston added four new pieces, including linebackers Aiden Fisher and Wade Woodaz, along with defensive back Kamari Ramsey.
So, what does the roster look like headed into the draft?
Let’s dive in and see the newest additions, plus how they will fit into the lineup.
Defensive End
Potential starters: Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter
Backups: Dylan Horton, Dominique Robinson, Solomon Byrd, Sebastian Harsh*
Defensive Tackle
Starters: Sheldon Rankins, Tommy Togiai
Backups: Kayden McDonald, Logan Hall, Naquan Jones, Junior Tafuna, Kyonte Hamilton
Starters: Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o
Backups: E.J. Speed, Jamal Hill, Marte Mapu, Jake Hansen, Jake Hummel, Wade Woodaz, Aiden Fisher, Xavier Thomas
Cornerbacks
Starters: Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter
Backups: Jaylin Smith, Tremon Smith, Ja’Marcus Ingram, Ajani Carter, Alijah Huzzie, Collin Wright*
Nickel Defender
Starter: Jalen Pitre
Backups: Kamari Ramsey
Starters: Calen Bullock, Reed Blankenship
Backups: Jaylen Reed,Kamari Ramsey, M.J. Stewart, Kaevon Merriweather
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans updated defensive depth chart following the 2026 NFL Draft
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
