Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge was the Houston Texans’ first-round pick in 2026.
Day 2’s Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, however, might be the fan favorite.
McDonald, a 6-foot-2 wrecking ball who obliterated offensive linemen during his time with the Buckeyes last season, has already won over hundreds of Texans’ fans for his joyous moment of celebrating with fans in Pittsburgh after becoming the 36th overall pick. The arrival to the Texans was an emotional moment for the All-American, who let it all out once he heard his name called after expecting to land with an NFL team on Thursday night.
“I know who I am as a player, and I know who I am as a person, and I felt like that was the right thing to do,” McDonald told ESPN Radio. “I have no shame, that’s who I am and I know I’m a great football player.”
The Texans believe that McDonald’s violent persona and ability to terrorize double teams on the offensive line will be an asset to the franchise this season amid a run toward the Super Bowl. General manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans couldn’t stop praising the Georgia native for his record-setting season for the Buckeyes amid another run to the College Football Playoff.
After coming into his own in 2024, McDonald rose to prominence last fall under new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, finishing with 65 tackles, nine tackles for losses, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups. He was also the anchor on the No. 3 run defense in college football that secured an undefeated regular season in the Big Ten.
“We felt McDonald was probably the best run defender in the draft,” Caserio said. “Had a really productive season. Defensive tackle that was involved in 60 tackles or 60-plus tackles, whatever it is. It’s pretty impressive.”
But McDonald away from football is much more docile and warm. A pillar of the Columbus community, McDonald gave back to the city that built him during his time with the Buckeyes, spending time with kids at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio. Kids would go to a local theatre to watch Buckeyes games on Saturday and later give them their own scouting report of his performance.
And McDonald backed his support for the foundation by not just giving his time, but also funds. For every sack and tackle for loss that McDonald recorded, he pledged $1,000 to the program. By the season’s end, he was able to pledge $12,000.
That donation train won’t stop once he gets to the league, either, as he plans to continue giving back to the Ronald McDonald House.
“Being that light and that shine to the kids is just a blessing for me,” McDonald told ESPN.
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This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: New Texans DL Kayden McDonald is already a fan favorite in Houston
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
