Keylan Rutledge comes to Houston as the newest member of the Texans' offensive line.
It's a smart pick for the franchise that wanted to upgrade its run blocking. Rutledge, an All-ACC offensive lineman with the chops to play either guard or center, provides that and more as potentially the top interior lineman in the class.
“This guy is all ball,” general manager Nick Caserio said. “Doesn’t care about anything else. He wants to punch you in the mouth and that works here.”
The Texans have addressed one need. Interior offensive line was considered one of the top two options for Houston when on the clock at No. 28. While they moved up to No. 26, they still landed a player who could be a plug-and-play starter and a foundation for the future with Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud under center.
That doesn't mean the job is done. The Texans must add more to the defensive line and tight end room to feel confident about making a deep postseason run. Targeting a true center might not be the worst plan, either. Don't be surprised if Houston adds depth at defensive end, wide receiver or linebacker for 2027 and beyond.
Here's a look at 15 players who could be in play for the Texans at some point on Friday evening.
McDonald was considered a top-three consensus defensive tackle prospect. Some thought he would have been the pick for the Texans at No. 28 if they stood pat, but instead he suffered the draft day tumble and landed on Day 2.
Teams should be aggressively looking to move up to land McDonald's services. The 6-foot-2, 326-pound defensive tackle was an All-American in 2025 and is considered one of the top run defenders in the class. He was near unstoppable in some of the biggest games last season, including showdowns against Texas, Michigan, Indiana and Miami.
Will the Texans trade up twice? Probably not, but McDonald should be the first option should he land at pick No. 38.
This was actually Texans Wire's pick in their final mock draft to come off the board first. A two-year starter under Kirby Smart, Miller is coming off a flawless season, recording 23 tackles and two sacks for the Bulldogs in 2025. As another top-notch run stopper, it's hard to envision the Texans not looking at Miller as a top option should be land at pick No. 38.
Rutledge could be a starter at center, but he also could be the long-term replacement for Wyatt Teller starting in 2027. Could Houston draft a talent like Young to be the replacement for Danielle Hunter? As one of the draft's biggest risers, Young excelled in his final year with the Tigers, finishing second in the SEC with 16.5 tackles for loss to go along with 53 pressures. He fits all the criteria Caserio loves in terms of depth, so it wouldn't be the biggest shock.
There was a report that said the Texans could be interested in moving off Pro Bowler Nico Collins for the right price. That didn't happen, but that doesn't mean that Houston won't eventually look for players to replace the standout receiver. A do-it-all No. 2 target, Bernard was everywhere for the Crimson Tide last fall, totaling 62 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns. He also worked in some jet sweeps and motions, totaling 101 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns. It's certainly an option Houston could consider.
Round 1 wideout? Probably not. A Round 2 phone call to Seattle? Definitely worth talking about. Boston was the best receiver in Washington for two seasons, totaling 125 catches for over 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns. He's a go-getter and a vertical threat who would elevate the Texans' passing game.
Experienced and athletic, Allen earned the respect of Smart and was voted a team captain on defense for two seasons. He started three straight years and finished back-to-back with the team lead in tackles, tackles for loss and forced fumbles. The Texans have two linebackers on expiring contracts, so given his read and reaction time, plus elite football IQ, Allen should be on a short list of names Houston potentially targets the second level of the defense.
Hill's playing style just screams a Ryans' "S.W.A.R.M." mentality after serving as the top tackler in Austin for two years. A finalist for the Butkus award, given to the nation's top linebacker, Hill did everything as a high-end rate, but was at his best in open-field tackling. It's easy to see why, with Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o entering contract seasons, the Texans could go linebacker earlier than expected.
It would be the most Texans pick of all time for this to happen and honestly, it wouldn't be a bad option. A top-five finish in the Heisman Trophy race last season, Rodriguez proved he could be a stable option at the second after totaling 128 tackles and picking up 11 tackles for loss, four interceptions and six pass breakups. He'd be a fan favorite with the neck roll in Houston.
Rutledge could just be a full-time guard, which is why center shouldn't be off the table if the right one falls into Round 3. Slaughter, to some, is viewed as the top center in this class after starting for four seasons at Florida. He was a two-time captain and won All-American honors back-to-back years. While perhaps not the top name, Slaughter should be in the running.
Everything said about Slaughter could be duplicated for Lew. He was considered a fringe Day 1 prospect entering the year, but a torn ACL suffered in October stunted his draft stock. A team captain and two-year starter with the Tigers, the All-SEC lineman has been regarded as athletic and quick, and strong at the point of attack and capable of getting to the second level.
Instead of having Rutledge start at guard, what if the Texans permanently moved him over to center? One would assume that guard long-term would be a move back on the table. Bisontis was a three-year starter at Texas A&M, where he was the anchor on the interior and known for his prowess in run blocking. He wouldn't have to start right away and would certainly continue to show that the Texans have plans on bettering the offensive personnel.
Again, a move inside to center for Rutledge would mean Houston could double-dip at guard prospect. Pregnon is a bit older and could be competing for starting reps, which might be warranted since he earned All-American honors during his lone season at Oregon. Much like everyone else, the 320-pound lineman is known for his dominant run-blocking, but might have more refined footwork in pass protection.