For fans who know where the Houston Texans are roster-wise, no one should be shocked at the way experts viewed the 2026 NFL Draft.
A strong offseason finalized by a promising draft class, the Texans aren’t trying to build a roster with young talent. If anything, outside of potentially first-round pick Keylan Rutledge and second-round selection Kayden McDonald, most players will rarely see the field this fall.
So, how well do the newest additions fit into the current plan, entering the new crew for 2026?
ESPN’s Matt Miller recently revealed his top 100 picks of last week’s draft. While neither Rutledge or McDonald landed inside the top 10, both were among the top half, coming in at No. 49 and No. 50.
“Based on value, the Texans reached with this pick. Based on scheme fit and the run on offensive linemen (eight had been drafted), it made sense to jump on the best remaining interior lineman,” Miller said on Rutledge. “This class was loaded with top-end tackles (seven went in Round 1), but teams were skeptical of the interior talent. Rutledge, who can play either guard or center, was seen as a late first-round riser in the weeks leading up to the draft. Exclusively a right guard at Georgia Tech, Rutledge’s mean streak and punishing blocking style in the run game are a dream fit for a Houston team that’s built on toughness.”
As for McDonald, Miller said teams would be lucky to find success against the defensive line now with the 330-pounder joining the fold.
“When the Texans traded up to No. 36, it was obvious they were targeting McDonald to be the anchor of a defensive line that suddenly looks unstoppable,” Miller wrote. “McDonald will hold down the middle while Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter work the edges. With veteran Sheldon Rankins, 32 years old, McDonald should represent Houston’s defensive tackle future. Interestingly enough, he was frequently projected to be taken with their first-round pick. When thinking about value, it wouldn’t have been surprising if the Texans had drafted McDonald in Round 1 and Rutledge in Round 2.”
To read the full list, click here.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Two Texans draft picks listed among ESPN’s 100 top selections of 2026
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
