The Ohio State football team was expected to have five first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead, they only had four. The Ohio State Buckeyes had four picks in the first 11, as Caleb Downs was the final one taken. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys.
Kayden McDonald was the lone player from the Buckeyes who wasn't able to be drafted in the first round when he was expected to. Coming into day 2 of the draft, McDonald was expected to be one of the first picks off the board. He had to wait a few picks, but he was eventually taken.
The Houston Texans took McDonald with the 36th overall pick after trading up to get him. They wanted to get ahead of the Giants, who just traded away a defensive tackle. Houston wanted him badly, and they moved up to get him.
Ohio State football player Kayden McDonald has emotional reaction to being drafted
McDonald was visibly emotional when he was picked by Houston. It was clear how much this moment meant for him, and it was good to see him return to the green room in order to have this moment. He gets to play for another really good former Buckeye in C.J. Stroud, who is the quarterback in Houston.
McDonald made it clear how much it means to be able to play at the next level.
"It's emotional, man," McDonald said while wiping tears from his face. "I know I'm supposed to be here. I'm just so blessed and so thankful. I'm so emotional. Where I came from, and now I'm here. It's a blessing."
As far as fit goes, McDonald will be perfect for Houston up front. DeMeco Ryans has already assembled one of the best defenses in the NFL. Adding McDonald as someone who can make plays up front, push the pile, and get penetration. He should be a good player in the league for quite a while.
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