Kayden McDonald, along with Tennessee’s Colton Hood, was the only player from the green room not selected in the first round. Many were shocked, as McDonald was expected to go anywhere from around 18 onward. Instead, other defensive tackles, such as Florida’s Caleb Banks and Clemson’s Peter Woods, were picked ahead of him.
To make amends, Commissioner Roger Goodell offered McDonald a chance to remain in the green room for the second round. He agreed, and sure enough, four picks into the second round, his name was called.
As McDonald strolled across the draft stage to shake Goodell’s hand, he was visibly emotional. The long wait had clearly taken a toll, but he was thrilled to finally be selected.
However, the Texans didn’t simply take him out of politeness. By selecting a 1st-round talent with the 36th pick, Houston may have landed one of the biggest steals of the draft.
Deepening the Defensive Line
The Texans were in dire need of help on the interior defensive line. Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter wreak havoc on the edge, but they needed a force inside. Sheldon Rankins, the veteran, has been solid, and Tommy Togiai has shown promise. However, there is still room for improvement.
Their secondary is borderline flawless, with players like Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre. Their linebackers are set with Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o. So, in terms of defense, the defensive tackle was always going to be their first target.
In fact, the Texans likely had a defensive tackle in mind in the first round. However, offensive linemen were starting to fly off the board, so they needed to grab one. They fulfilled that need by taking Georgia Tech’s Keylan Rutledge. So they knew that in the second round, they would need to focus on their other need on the other side of the ball.
And that’s exactly what they did—McDonald slots in perfectly next to Anderson and Hunter. McDonald’s run-stuffing ability complements their quarterback pursuits. Together, the three will form as formidable a defensive front as any in the NFL.
McDonald Magic
Kayden McDonald dominated throughout his Ohio State career. Last year, he earned first-team All-Big Ten, Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, and unanimous All-American honors. Simply put, his reputation precedes him.
With the likes of rushers Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau gone last year, McDonald was truly given the chance to shine on the line. He showed that he is more than just a system player, as his strength, size, and tenacity set him apart from other defensive linemen in the class.
As he put it, “I knew I had to step up because they believed in me.” He knew what he had to do, and he performed at an incredibly high level all season long.
Anyone who attended Ohio State football games last year could feel his presence on the field. He doesn’t generate a ton of highlights, but he’s one of those guys who always seems to be in the mix. Whether he’s hurrying a quarterback or helping gang tackle for a loss, McDonald is always making plays. With Hunter and Anderson racking up sacks and forced fumbles, McDonald is exactly the guy they need between them.
Love for the City
For those unaware, Kayden McDonald was born in Texas but grew up in Georgia. When asked about returning, he said, “It’s a great feeling. This is the best place for me on and off the field.”
McDonald going to the Texans already made plenty of sense from a tactical standpoint. But from the way his eyes lit up when he spoke about Texas, it’s clear he’s where he’s supposed to be.
Finally, I asked McDonald what he wanted to say to the Texans fanbase, and he did not disappoint. With plenty of enthusiasm, he exclaimed, “Let’s do it! We’re gonna win the Super Bowl for sure.”
McDonald has the skill set and the confidence. The 31 teams just put a chip on his shoulder. Alongside Anderson and Hunter, expect McDonald to terrorize offenses all season long.
If the Texans’ defense makes a playoff run, which they likely will, remember one thing: the rest of the league let them get a first-round talent at pick #36.
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