Selected by Texans
The Texans selected McDonald in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 36th overall.
The Texans traded up with the Raiders to take McDonald, a classic nose tackle in stature (6-foot-2, 326 pounds) but one who finds the ball carrier much more often than most two-gap defensive tackles. McDonald set the interior anchor for Ohio State's smothering defense in 2025, yet even while working through the thickest part of the trenches McDonald managed to accumulate 65 tackles (nine for a loss) in 14 games. The Texans run defense and pass rush were both already strong, yet with McDonald in the rotation it gets even tougher to block the Texans.
More Houston Texans Fantasy Football News
Dalton Schultz
Set to lead Houston's TE corps
While Schultz remains the Texans' top tight end ahead of training camp, Jared Koch of SI.com notes that slotting beyond Schultz has yet to be determined.
Jayden Higgins
Drawing praise as WR2
Higgins has consistently drawn praise throughout spring activities as the team's No. 2 wide receiver behind Nico Collins, Jared Koch of SI.com reports.
Jaylin Noel
Impresses at minicamp
Noel was a standout at the Texans' mandatory minicamp, Jared Koch of SI.com reports.
Tank Dell
Shows good progress in minicamp
Dell (knee) was limited during the Texans' minicamp that ended Thursday, but he has been "running and cutting without setbacks," Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Marlin Klein
Dealing with hamstring issue
Klein was sidelined at the Texans' OTAs during the week after tweaking his hamstring, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Tank Dell
Not participating in OTAs
Dell (knee) is not participating in OTAs this week, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.
Nico Collins
Gets raise via restructure
Collins agreed to terms Tuesday on a contract restructure with the Texans, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Woody Marks
Should have role as pass catcher
Marks is likely to maintain a prominent role as a pass catcher out of the backfield despite Houston's offseason addition of running back David Montgomery, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
C.J. Stroud
Shedding weight
Stroud improved his diet this offseason in an effort to lose weight, according to DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com.
Lewis Bond
Picked by Texans
The Texans selected Bond in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 204th overall.