With their surprising but welcoming move on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans have amped up their offense by picking up a reliable tight end donning the maize and blue.

Marlin Klein was widely projected to be a third-round pick, but his trajectory took everyone by surprise. The Texans drafted him with the 59th pick in the second round.

On 25 April, NFL's official X account announced the Texans' draft pick and wrote, “With the No. 59 overall pick in the 2026 @NFLDraft, the @HoustonTexans select Marlin Klein.”

With the selection, he became the second Wolverines' player to be drafted on Day 2, behind Derrick Moore (No. 44) and ahead of Jaishawn Barham (No. 92).

Born in Cologne, Germany, Klein played for the Cologne Crocodiles before relocating to Georgia. He committed to the Michigan Wolverines' football program in 2022, after receiving offers from Florida State and Ole Miss, among others. 

The 23-year-old’s production across three years at Michigan consists of 34 games, 38 receptions for 364 yards, and a touchdown. He was the team captain last season and clinched a 2025 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. 

According to PFF, he is a high-rated run-blocker whose pass-blocking grade was 77.3 in 2025. Standing at 6’6 and weighning 248 pounds, Klein’s athleticism stood out at the NFL Combine. He completed the 40-yard dash in a matter of 4.61 seconds. 

Klein also displayed a 36-inch vertical and a 9-foot-9 broad jump. For the Texans, who went 12-5 last season, Klein could be the catalyst that improves their offense.

They ranked second defensively by allowing just 17.4 points per game, but comparatively lacked as an offense. The Texans allowed 23.8 points per game, placing them 13th on the charts. 

Klein's arrival addresses a key offensive need and gives the Houston fan base plenty of reason for optimism.

Texans' Fans Excited Over Marlin Klein's Pick

Under the X post, Texans fans came together to either congratulate Klein or praise the Texans for their selection.

One fan raved about the route the franchise chose in the two days so far, concerning both units of the Texans' team.

“Another weapon for the Texans! First Kayden McDonald on defense and now an elite blocking TE who can actually fly down the seam. Are the Texans officially the team to beat in the AFC South? Because the roster depth is getting ridiculous,” a fan commented.

Two fans lauded the pick, welcoming the player to his franchise.

“Sweet pick, Texans got a steal at 59. Welcome to H-Town, Marlin!” one wrote, which was followed by “Great pick!”

“German engineering at TE! Klein’s gonna block like a tank, Texans cooking,” one comment read.

Another comment stated that Klein was the pick to make, given how well he can understand a game.

“He is focused and reads most games well.” 

The Texans have quietly racked up some major wins in the draft so far alongside Klein, drafting Keylan Rutledge to stabilize their offensive line and Kayden McDonald to bolster their defense.

Read more at the Michigan Football Community

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Rishab Nandi