The Texans remained aggressive on Day 2 of the draft.
Kayden McDonald, the DT out of Ohio State, was still on the board at No. 36. Houston moved up to snag him, sending the No. 38 and No. 91 picks to Las Vegas for the No. 36 and No. 117 slots.
McDaniel was an AP First Team All-American in 2025 and won the 2024 CFP National Championship with Ohio State. As the 2025 Big Ten Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year, he had 65 tackles, 9.0 TFLs, and 3.0 sacks.
John Harris sees great contact balance against double teams, insane leverage and pad level, and very, very strong hands.
"He gets off blocks as well as anyone I've seen," Harris writes.
The Texans are back on the clock at No. 59.
| ROUND (OVERALL SELECTION) |
|---|
| 1 (26TH FROM BILLS) - Keylan Rutledge | G from Georgia Tech |
| 2 (36TH FROM RAIDERS) - Kayden McDonald | DT from Ohio State |
| 2 (59TH) |
| 4 (106TH FROM COMMANDERS) |
| 4 (117TH FROM RAIDERS) |
| 5 (141ST FROM BROWNS) |
| 7 (243RD FROM NINERS) |
New Houston Texans DT Kayden McDonald had a strong career at Ohio State. Check out some of his best photos from his college career. All photos courtesy of Ohio State Athletics.
2025.08.30FBTexas
Ohio State plays Ohio University at Ohio Stadium on September 13, 2025. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Ohio State Athletics)
