Rookie tackle Kayden McDonald’s arrival creates a crowded defensive interior, forcing breakout veteran Tommy Togiai to fight for snaps and adapt his role within Houston’s ferocious rotation.
The Houston Texans made a clear statement in the draft when they selected defensive tackle Kayden McDonald—a move that could have ripple effects across their defensive line rotation in 2026. While much of the attention has been on how McDonald strengthens an already imposing front, his arrival may quietly cut into the role of veteran Tommy Togiai.
Togiai emerged as one of the more surprising contributors on Houston’s defense in 2025. Known primarily as a depth piece earlier in his career, he flashed consistency and physicality, particularly as an interior run defender. His ability to occupy space and disrupt blocking schemes between the guards made him a valuable asset in DeMeco Ryans’ system. However, the addition of McDonald introduces legitimate competition in a near exact role.
Ben Solak of ESPN dove into how McDonald's arrival could impact Togiai: “Togiai was so good last year that McDonald might end up biting more into Rankins' snaps than Togiai's reps. But Togiai spent far more time lined up between the guards than Rankins did, and those snaps figure to go to McDonald, a premier run defender who will strengthen the spine of the Texans' already ferocious defense. Togiai could in turn take some of Rankins' snaps at 3-technique, but it isn't guaranteed that he continues his shocking splash play from last season. Ideally, this is a rotation of three quality players, each with slightly different skill sets.”
Solak acknowledged the balancing act Houston now faces. On paper, McDonald’s skill set overlaps most directly with Togiai’s. Both thrive in the trenches as stout run defenders, capable of anchoring the interior and forcing offenses to adjust. McDonald, however, arrives with higher upside and and he is more of an investment from the franchise, which often translates to early opportunities.
Meanwhile, Sheldon Rankins remains a versatile presence who can slide across the line, particularly in more pass-rush-oriented situations. That flexibility may protect his snap count more than Togiai’s, especially if the coaching staff prioritizes developing McDonald quickly.
For Togiai, the path forward isn’t necessarily shrinking, it’s shifting. Increased reps at the 3-technique could allow him to expand his game, but it also introduces uncertainty. His breakout production last season, while impressive, will need to be replicated to justify a consistent role in a now-crowded rotation.
Ultimately, this is a good problem for Houston to have. Depth along the defensive line is critical for sustaining success over a full season, and the Texans now boast three capable interior defenders with distinct strengths. But make no mistake—McDonald’s arrival will have consequences, and Togiai may be the player who feels them most as the 2026 season unfolds.
Houston also added Logan Hall in free agency during the 2026 offseason, who had a good season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025.