The Houston Texans made a strategic move by trading up to select Kayden McDonald, a top defensive tackle prospect, at No. 36 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
As of early Tuesday, the Texans traded their No. 38 and No. 91 picks to the Las Vegas Raiders to secure this selection.
McDonald played as a defensive tackle at Ohio State, where he emerged as a standout player.
He was an AP First Team All-American in 2025 and won the CFP National Championship in 2024.
In his final season, McDonald recorded impressive stats: 65 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks.
He appeared in 36 career games for Ohio State with 14 starts, showcasing his skills consistently.
McDonald also earned accolades as the 2025 Big Ten Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year.
John Harris praised him saying, “He gets off blocks as well as anyone I’ve seen.” This highlights his exceptional talent and potential impact in the NFL.
Interestingly, McDonald was the last player remaining in the green room during the draft—a notable moment.
No timeline has been shared regarding how he will fit into the Texans’ plans moving forward.
The team aims to bolster its defense with this acquisition, but uncertainties linger about how quickly McDonald will adapt to the NFL level.
