The Houston Texans could have attempted a big trade-up. Instead, they drafted Michigan Wolverines’ tight end Marlin Klein in the second round of the NFL draft in 2026. Days later, Michigan football legend believes that he could be the one to unlock quarterback CJ Stroud’s potential.

Jon Jansen, the national champion for the Michigan Wolverines in 1997, believes Klein could be the answer Stroud has been looking for.

“Marlin Klein, I think we were all a little bit surprised to see him go in the second round, but the fit I think is really good,” Jansen said on the MGoBlue Podcast. “CJ Stroud, not a great playoff performance last year, but what did he need? More options, especially those check-down options.”

Rather than trading up for prospects like Kenyon Sadiq or Eli Stowers, the Texans seemed to favor Klein as the No.59 overall pick.

Klein is primarily known as a block-first tight end, and his blocking is his most NFL-ready skill.

According to Jansen, Stroud needs more reliable targets in the passing game.

Despite completing 25 of his 38 pass attempts, Stroud threw a pair of crucial interceptions against Jacksonville. It included a late turnover to Antonio Johnson.

A fourth-quarter 50-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins tied the game. But Houston failed to capitalize late as Collins fumbled on one drive before Stroud was intercepted on the next.

In the 2025 NFL playoffs, the quarterback threw more interceptions [5] than touchdowns [2]. So, a reliable tight end can give the quarterback quick and safe completions.

Klein is a better pass catcher than the numbers show. He has only one touchdown in his entire college career and fewer than 400 yards.

But for Stroud, Jansen believes he could be one of those “check-down” options, which typically means a short and safe pass instead of throwing it into a tight window and getting picked off.

Although Dalton Schultz is going to be the first-string starter, Klein could give the Texans offense the options for blocking and a pass catcher when called upon.

Meanwhile, the Texans GM believes that Klein’s best football is in front of him.

What Did the Texans GM Say About Marlin Klein?

While most draft experts had Klein going in rounds 3 and 4, the Texans selected him earlier. General manager Nick Caserio broke his silence about the decision.

"I mean, 6-5, 250, runs 4.6. I would say his best football is probably in front of him,” he said during the Day 2 post-draft press conference. “The type of player that has the right mentality, has the right mindset, good work ethic, really smart.”

Klein is always known for his physicality, and the Texans valued that approach in selecting Klein. He earned a 61.1 overall PFF grade in the 2025 season, averaging 10.5 yards per reception on the season.

His 7.7-yard average depth of target highlighted his role in the passing game and suggests he projects as a solid backup with eventual starter potential.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar