Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio isn't playing games this draft season. After being linked to the Ohio State defensive tackle for weeks, Caserio ensured that he'd be coming to Houston, trading away two draft picks to move up two spots to select the All-American.
For weeks viewed as a fan favorite for Houston, McDonald previously visited Reliant Stadium following the NFL combine for a top-30 visit. He also met with the Texans for a formal interview at the combine and followed up with the staff at Ohio State's Pro Day late last month.
A native of Texarkana who later moved to Georgia, McDonald might not fit the typical mold of what DeMeco Ryans has historically searched for in defensive tackles, but perhaps that's promising since variety could only bolster the defensive front. More than anything, the Texans need productive players. Enter McDonald, who was the anchor to one of college football's best run defenses last season under longtime NFL defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
Big Mac is coming to H-Town‼️@KMac_DT pic.twitter.com/5zGCDwYocj
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.
The Texans need a long-term running mate up the middle to pair with the recently extended Anderson. Even though he's not the ideal fit for Ryans' defense as a three-tech, the Texans have needed a difference-maker in the run game with 1-tech potential, so perhaps the switch is a welcome addition beyond 2026.
To land McDonald, the Texans gave up picks No. 38 and No. 91, the pick acquired in the deal for Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge. Houston will also pick up No. 117 on Day 3.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans bolster trenches, trade up for Ohio State DL Kayden McDonald