Houston Texans: Host 1st-Team All-American Defensive Tackle

In an interview with Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated, Ohio State Buckeyes’ elite nose tackle Kayden McDonald revealed he has a 30-visit scheduled with the Texans. He is considered one of the best defensive tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft and is currently projected as a late-first to early-second round pick. McDonald fits DeMeco Ryans’s/Matt Burke’s defensive scheme because he is the ideal size at 326 pounds, is a strong run defender, a developing pass rusher, and consistently draws double teams.

Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign

After a limited defensive role and logging just 247 snaps in his first two seasons, Kayden McDonald enjoyed a breakout junior campaign in his first year as the full-time starting nose tackle, setting career highs while grading as PFF’s highest-rated run-defending defensive tackle. He recorded 65 tackles, nine TFLs, three sacks, and two forced fumbles across 14 games, along with 29 run stops, a 13.3% stop rate, and a 91.2 run-defense grade, plus 14 pressures and a 4% pass-rush win rate. McDonald’s efforts earned him unanimous First-Team All-American and All-Big-10 honors.

He wrapped up his three-year tenure, totaling 85 tackles, 11 TFLs, three sacks, and two forced fumbles in 37 games.

Here’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report

“A talented run defender, McDonald plays with natural leverage and rattles pads with his initial contact. He’s quick to locate ball-carriers, play off of blocks and rally to the action. His technique is a bit underdeveloped and he’s not a natural drain-clogger against double teams, but he still managed an unusually high tackle rate as an interior defender.

“Quicker hand strikes should allow for more efficient reps and earlier wins at the point. He offers limited rush value, so his money will be made by giving grief to centers and guards as an even-front nose tackle with starting potential.”

He predicts he will eventually become a plus starter, comparing him to former Texan D.J. Reader.