NFL scouts weigh in on the Texans' draft class, praising key additions and Houston's strategic moves, even with a first-round surprise.
Draft grades are a fascinating part of the NFL's post-draft process. They are given as definitive pass-fail verdicts, yet they are published before players have completed their first NFL season.
The Houston Texans are seeing largely positive reviews despite a slight reach in the first round for Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge according to some who cover the draft. Houston made up for it with its next pick adding a steal in defensive tackle Kayden McDonald to add a plus player with the team's second pick.
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reached out to members of various NFL organizations about different teams' draft hauls. Here's what some had to say about the players that the Texans added and Houston's overall draft class.
"Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge was considered a sleeper first-rounder, but Houston was always his ace in the hole. The Texans identified him as a favorite during the process. Assistant general manager James Liipfert was a former Georgia Tech player with deep ties to the school, and Texans offensive line coach Cole Popovich did a private workout with Rutledge in the days leading up to the draft. One NFC executive called Rutledge the OG1 of the draft -- yes, ahead of Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane.
GM Nick Caserio, one of the league's most avid traders, worked on multiple scenarios to get Kayden McDonald at No. 36. He was prepared to trade to No. 33 to get him, and on the draft's first night, he explored a late first-round trade-in after picking 28th."
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) pushes off Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock (2) as he rushes the ball Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThat Rutledge is viewed as perhaps the best guard in the draft bodes well for the Texans heading into the 2026 season. Houston will at the very least need quality depth if not a starter at guard. That notion is a way justifies drafting Rutledge as early as it did in the draft.
Adding McDonald is a huge boost in its own right. The Texans add a starter quality NFL player on the defensive interior to strengthen what is already one of the best defenses in the NFL heading into next year. Houston was the top defense in the 2025 season.
The Texans made good picks in last week's draft. That said, the fact that other teams view Houston's picks so highly adds to the job they did in the draft. The Texans will look to put it all together on the field in September.