Sheldon Rankins, Houston Texans
Getty
Sheldon Rankins #90 of the Houston Texans celebrates after a stop against the Denver Broncos.
The Houston Texans have bolstered every position group of need on their roster directly in free agency and via trade this offseason. However, the Texans have one area that remains suitable for an infusion of youth and talent, such as Kayden McDonald.
McDonald said that he met with most teams, if not all, at the combine.
The Texans, though, took additional interest that certainly stands out amid their current roster construction.
Texans Connect With Former Ohio State Buckeyes Star Kayden McDonald
Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
GettyKayden McDonald #98 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on before a game against the Washington Huskies.
The Texans were not among the teams that McDonald mentioned meeting at the combine, but he added a noteworthy nugget about their interest in him. McDonald said he has been “in touch” with “every team that needs a physical” presence at defensive tackle.
The 2023 national champion said that he has “been on Top 30 visits,” noting that the Texans are among the teams on the list of those to come.
He called the attention a “total blessing,” and later explained just what kind of player he is.
“They’re getting the most physical defensive tackle in the NFL Draft. I’m going to elevate the room. I want to help the team win a Super Bowl. I believe my teammates are going to love me. I’m going to earn their respect,” McDonald told Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo in an interview published on March 24. “I love the game of football. I’m ready to work. I don’t want anything handed to me. I want to earn it. That’s why I went to Ohio State. I wanted to earn my spot on that field.
“I want to make an instant impact in the NFL. To have that opportunity is a blessing and I don’t take it lightly. I want to play at the highest level. I’ve been dreaming about that forever. I know how rare the opportunity is.”
Melo called McDonald an “elite run defender,” while the Texans ranked fourth against the run.
Kayden McDonald Could Address Need for Houston
Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald
GettyKayden McDonald #98 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
McDonald added that his “being one of those one percenters is a blessing and I don’t take it lightly.”
McDonald touted his “good family” upbringing and being that kind of person.
All of those traits would appeal to a high-character Texas locker room that could also use someone with his skill set and talent level on its roster, particularly amid heavy turnover and injuries in recent seasons.
Sheldon Rankins re-signed in free agency this offseason, but the Texans lost fellow starter Tim Settle. Top backup Tommy Togiai returns, as do several reserves.
The Texans also signed versatile lineman Logan Hall in free agency.
Kayden McDonald ‘Talented’ vs Run
Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald
GettyKayden McDonald #98 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates defeating the Tennessee Volunteers in the Rose Bowl during the College Football Playoffs First Round.
McDonald would give the Texans a long-term solution at a position at which they have largely gotten by with castoffs from other teams. McDonald’s position is a need for the Texans, while his talent could make him a fine target.
“A talented run defender, McDonald plays with natural leverage and rattles pads with his initial contact,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft profile.
“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.”
At 6-foot-2 and 325 pounds, McDonald could be a plug in the middle of the Texans’ defense.