Big Red? Big Problem for opposing defensive linemen coming to Reliant Stadium in 2026.
The Houston Texans didn’t wait for Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge to fall into their lap at pick No. 28. They knew he was destined to be a part of the long-term plan, which is why they traded up two spots to get him.
“This guy is all ball,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “Doesn’t care about anything else. He wants to punch you in the mouth and that works here.”
Once the run on offensive linemen began, Houston knew it needed to settle on its top pick. The name: Rutledge, a mauler in the trenches who excelled in run blocking during his lone season in Atlanta. The 6-foot-4, 318-pound lineman didn’t allow a sack in over 400 pass-blocking reps last season and has position flexibility, having tested at guard and center, helping the Yellow Jackets secure a 10-win season.
Here’s what the pick looked like when Roger Goodell took the podium make made it offical that Rutledge was coming to Houston.
Nicknamed “Big Red” for his red mane, Rutledge was considered the top run blocker in the NFL draft after dominating at both Middle Tennessee State and Georgia Tech. He was also voted team captain at both Middle Tennessee and Georgia Tech.
“Toughness, violence, physicality, playing style, his intelligence. I mean, basically, the guy wants to step on your throat on every play, which I would say sort of embodies what our football team is about, the way we play, intense, violent, physical. We’re going to run the football this year.”
The Texans own three picks on Friday night, including pick No. 91 acquired in the Bills trade to move up to No. 26.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: WATCH: Texans make Georgia Tech’s Keylan Rutledge the newest road warrior in Houston
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
