With the 59th pick, general manager Nick Caserio elected to shore up the tight end position and select Michigan's Marlin Klein. Tight end was expected to be a top need for Houston's passing game, though Klein does come as somewhat of a surprise.
In flashes, Klein did look like a promising prospect with upside as a pass-catcher. After taking over for No. 10 overall pick Colston Loveland and A.J. Barner, the 6-foot-6 German native caught 24 passes for 248 yards and a touchdown.
He's a bit of a project. The 248-pound option has 4.6 speed and is a decent blocker, but he'll need work to help advance his game in the pro level.
Fans were definitely surprised by the move to take the Michigan tight end this early. Here were some of the best responses online.
Marlin Klein ended up on my top 85. He has real flashes of in-line and field stretching ability. Something the Texans have desperately needed to help their run game and insulate themselves from any Schultz injuries/age. pic.twitter.com/DP2F1i8aU2
Marlin Klein to the TexansTE11#158 on the consensus board38 career catches24 year old rookie
This is absolutely stunning. I would like to know where the tape is that shows Marlin Klein was worth a second round pick. https://t.co/aByAgHIIJw
— Chris Castellani (@Castellani2014) April 25, 2026
Encouraging analysis on Marlin Klein from someone who deeply studies Tight Ends in @maxtoscano1 https://t.co/MsrAZIfNeJ
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) April 25, 2026
New #Texans TE Marlin Klein said he wanted to be drafted to Houston. He texted tight ends coach James Ferentz this morning and told him to let's make it happen. He liked the toughness they play with and the family environment.He got his wish.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) April 25, 2026
I’ve watched every snap of Marlin Klein’s career, and not for one second did I think he was a day two pick. What a perplexing reach. Had him in the late teens of my tight end rankings.
I'm going to be much higher than consensus on Michigan TE Marlin Klein. He plays the game like George Kittle. I think he genuinely loves to block and take hits like this on seam benders. It looks like he's having a blast out there pic.twitter.com/NvrnocvIM7
No. 59, Houston Texans: Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan...This one is straight up confusing. I thought Klein would be more of a Day 3 guy, but he can run and is a fairly good athlete. But man this feels like at least 2 rounds too rich.
🚨 #SupFriends REACTION🚨#Texans draft Marlin Klein 59th overall! What do we know about him? He’s 🇩🇪He’s TallHe’s A Michigan Man.He…..he….That’s it. It’s all I got! pic.twitter.com/ICg0XIcMpu
Turn on Michigan vs OSU 25 tape and first play Marlin Klein gets up field and seals off Sonny Styles to generate a big run.His tools with athleticism and frame are rare with very good developmental traits. pic.twitter.com/6WU6zwbj43
Marlin Klein (6’6 248) Michigan+ 1 drop prior to the 2025 season+ In-line blocking ability+ Good athlete with a 9.01 relative athletic score that included a 4.61 40-yard dash and a 36” vertical+ Special teams’ experience+ Competitive mentality+ Team captain+ Only started… pic.twitter.com/qqoZPTH4CZ
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 26, 2026
The Marlin Klein eval is so interesting because he's raw enough that it's not surprising he wouldn't break out before this season. He's an elite athlete, he put it all together this year, and looked like a first-round player...for one game and then got hurt pic.twitter.com/VLZsfqZCQx