Strong player? Strong take from Kayden McDonald on his future at Reliant Stadium.
After being linked to the Ohio State defensive tackle for weeks, the Houston Texans knew that McDonald would be coming to the AFC South in 2026. They were so sure he was the right fit that general manager Nick Caserio ended up trading away two draft picks to move up two spots to select the All-American defensive tackle.
And McDonald can't wait to show the first 35 that while they might have great careers, he's destined to have a better one in the trenches while playing for DeMeco Ryans opposite of All-Pros Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
"They got the player they wanted, they traded up for me and like I told Coach Ryans, he's a player's coach. I had a great conversation with him, and they believe in me," McDonald told ESPN Radio on Friday night. "I'm the steal of the draft."
"I'm the steal of the #NFLDraft."@KMac_DT after being drafted by the Texans in the second round ⤵️ https://t.co/YFf3KZiqet pic.twitter.com/MsD3l1DmmQ
Viewed as a fan favorite for Houston, McDonald previously visited the Texans following the NFL combine for a top-30 visit. He also met with Houston for a formal interview at the combine and followed up with the staff at Ohio State's Pro Day late last month.
McDonald, who elected to stay in Pittsburgh after being the last player selected out of the Green Room, made sure to savor the moment as the emotions of hearing his name took over while he walked on stage.
“We felt McDonald was probably the best run defender in the draft,” Caserio said. “Had a really productive season. Defensive tackle that was involved in 60 tackles or 60-plus tackles, whatever it is. It’s pretty impressive.”
The 6-foot-2, 326-pound defensive tackle was considered by many to be a lock for the first round. Since he fell into Day 2, it became clear that Houston would be back on the market.
Last season, as the anchor of the No. 1 run defense in the Big Ten, he totaled 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in his final season at Ohio State.
"McDonald is a guy we all like. Scouts, coaches, everybody, collective group, everybody liked the talent. Young player, but he's grown," Ryans said. "He shows the strength in the run game. He shows the ability to get off blocks and finish. We're very excited to add a young defensive tackle to that room, and I know he'll flourish with the guys that he'll be learning from.”
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 'Steal of the draft!': New Texans DL Kayden McDonald makes bold promise to fans