Should the Texans draft Kayden McDonald?
The Houston Texans are known for their elite defense, but that shouldn’t stop them from bolstering the group in the 2026 NFL Draft. One potential target is Ohio State nose tackle Kayden McDonald, whose prowess against the run makes him a premier prospect in April. McDonald wouldn’t be a flashy selection, but would eliminate any chance of an offense running the ball against the Texans.
CBS analyst Mike Renner proposed this pairing in his recent mock draft. He notes how McDonald is a dominant run defender and can single-handedly make the offense one-dimensional.
“This pick should ensure no one runs the ball on the Texans -- ever. Kayden McDonald is easily the best run defender in the defensive line class. His ability to eat double teams at just 20 years old is special.”
The Texans already have an impressive run defense. They only allowed 93.7 rushing yards per game, which was fourth in the NFL. The ability to mitigate the opposition's run game is underrated and forces the offense to rely on passing. This makes them one-dimensional and allows the defense to key in on it.
They already thrive at doing this, but would become even greater with the addition of McDonald. The 6-foot-2, 326-pound nose tackle is absurdly strong and is immovable, even against double teams. He excels at anchoring down and holding his position. This ability is desired in nose tackles as it clogs up the middle of the field and forces the running back to go another direction.
McDonald has violent hand usage, which helps him separate from blocks and make a play on the ball. He frequently engages with a blocker just to shed and wrap up the ball carrier at the perfect moment.
The issue with McDonald is his lack of pass-rush potential. The former Buckeye had three sacks in 2025, but isn’t productive while rushing the quarterback. He can penetrate the backfield against the run, but doesn't have the agility to beat the opposing lineman while rushing the quarterback. Additionally, he doesn’t have any pass-rush moves. This makes him stagnant and not a threat to the quarterback. Because of this, he won’t see the field on these downs early in his career.
Even with his struggles as a pass rusher, Kayden McDonald’s run impact warrants a first-round selection. The ability to make an offense one-dimensional is invaluable in the NFL. He would be a fantastic addition to the Texans and further bolster an already elite group.