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Houston Texans 2026 Draft Class: Rookie Impact
Jul 6, 2026Ryan McCrystalSharp Football Analysis
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The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview . In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as draft class analysis from Ryan McCrystal. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview . Every team is excited about their incoming class of rookies, but how will those new players affect each team in 2026? Let's look at the Houston Texans, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from their class while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field. Houston Texans 2026 Draft Class: Which Rookies Will Make an Impact? The Texans reached to fill a need when they selected Keylan Rutledge (first round), who is expected to replace Jake Andrews for the starting center job. Although Andrews is still on the roster, this pick doesn’t make sense unless the Texans decided that Rutledge offered an immediate upgrade. Houston wants to get better at running the ball, especially between the tackles, and Rutledge should help the offensive line improve in that area. Georgia Tech ball carriers averaged 3.0 yards before contact per attempt when running to Rutledge’s gap in 2025, the third-best mark among ACC guards. Rutledge will be joined in the interior offensive line by Febechi Nwaiwu (fourth round), another powerful run blocker. Nwaiwu will compete with Evan Brown to be the primary backup at both guard spots, which is a critical position given Wyatt Teller’s recent injury history. Given Brown’s experience, Nwaiwu likely develops on the bench this year before taking Brown’s backup role in 2027. Kayden McDonald (second round) was the most run-stuffin nose tackle in the draft, but he’s still a nose tackle, which is a dying position on the defensive side of the ball. When lined up at nose tackle, McDonald made a tackle on 28% of his snaps against the run, the highest rate in the FBS. He’s a disruptive force, will start immediately, and make an impact on early downs. However, McDonald is a non-factor on passing downs, generating a 4.5% pressure rate last season. Marlin Klein (second round) is a developmental in-line tight end who is unlikely to see much action as a rookie, making it a baffling selection early on Day 2. Klein was born in Germany and didn’t start playing football until high school. Despite the late start, he is still underdeveloped for a 23-year-old who spent four seasons learning the position at Michigan. Klein has the size and athletic traits to develop into a Rob Gronkowski-like pass catcher, but he’s far from reaching that level. Wade Woodaz (fourth round) wore the green dot at Clemson and has the potential to serve as Azeez Al-Shaair’s backup, but there will be stiff competition from E.J. Speed and others. Since there isn’t an obvious immediate role for Woodaz, his extensive special teams experience was likely a factor in the selection. Joining Woodaz at linebacker will be Aidan Fisher (seventh round), who has an uphill battle to make the roster due to Houston’s depth. Fisher also wore the green dot in college, so Houston clearly values on-field leaders with high football IQ. DeMeco Ryans added yet another green dot player to his defense in Kamari Ramsey (fifth round). Ramsey was at his best as a ball-hawk in the deep secondary in college, but was forced to play the strong safety role in 2025 due to USC’s lack of defensive depth. Houston has st…