Marlin Klein Selected by Houston Texans in 2026 NFL Draft
Former Michigan tight end Marlin Klein was selected by the Houston Texans with the 59th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The selection came as a surprise to many analysts who had projected Klein as a day three prospect.
Klein, a 23-year-old native of Cologne, Germany, becomes the second Michigan player drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft following edge rusher Derrick Moore, who was taken 44th overall by the Detroit Lions. The Texans stood pat with their second-round pick after trading up in the first round to select offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge from Georgia Tech.
According to the Houston Texans’ official draft tracker, Klein was chosen at No. 59 five picks behind Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers and three picks behind Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher. He is the third tight end selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The pick continues a trend of Michigan tight ends entering the NFL at a high level. Klein follows former Wolverine Colston Loveland, who was selected in the first round by the Chicago Bears in the 2025 NFL Draft. The last Michigan tight end taken in the second round before Klein was Luke Schoonmaker, drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2023.
Texans Radio Analyst John Harris described Klein as a physically imposing tight end who runs well after the catch and can line up in multiple formations. Harris noted that Klein will join former Michigan wide receiver Nico Collins in Houston and will play at NRG Stadium, where Klein won a national championship with Michigan in 2023.
Klein departed Ann Arbor with a year of eligibility remaining, a decision that drew attention given his unexpected early selection. His draft stock rose significantly after strong performances in pre-draft workouts and interviews, though specific combine or pro day metrics were not detailed in the verified sources.
The Houston Texans’ 2026 NFL Draft selections so far include:
- Round 1, Pick 26: Keylan Rutledge (G, Georgia Tech)
- Round 2, Pick 38: Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
- Round 2, Pick 59: Marlin Klein (TE, Michigan)
The Texans traded picks 38 and 91 to acquire the 36th and 117th selections in the draft, using the 36th pick to select McDonald. They did not trade their 59th overall selection, using it to draft Klein.
As a German-born player, Klein represents a growing international presence in the NFL. His selection highlights the league’s continued global outreach and the increasing number of prospects developing through international pipelines, including the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.
The 2026 NFL Draft took place over three days, with Day 1 concluding on April 24, 2026, and Day 2 continuing into the early morning hours of April 25, 2026. Klein’s selection occurred during the second round on Day 2.
Moving forward, Klein will join the Texans’ tight end corps and begin preparations for the 2026 NFL season. His exact role and projected playing time will depend on training camp performance and the team’s offensive scheme under head coach DeMeco Ryans and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.
For continued updates on Marlin Klein’s transition to the NFL and the Houston Texans’ 2026 draft class, fans can follow official team channels and reputable NFL coverage outlets.
Stay tuned to Archysport for the latest developments on Klein’s rookie season and all NFL-related news as the 2026 league year progresses.
