NFL Draft: German Tight End Marlin Klein Selected by Houston Texans in 2026

Marlin Klein, the German-born tight end who played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, was selected by the Houston Texans with the 59th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday night. The Texans traded up to secure Klein, marking him as the second Wolverine drafted after Derrick Moore.

Klein was born on September 17, 2002, in Cologne, Germany, making him 23 years traditional at the time of the draft. He stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 248 pounds. His journey to the NFL began after playing soccer and basketball in his youth before transitioning to American football with the junior team of the Cologne Crocodiles.

With the support of the Gridiron Imports Foundation, a U.S.-registered nonprofit that assists international football players, Klein transferred to Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Rabun Gap, Georgia, to play high school football in the United States. He was rated as a three-star recruit and committed to the University of Michigan.

Klein enrolled at Michigan in 2022 and played in two games as a freshman before redshirting. During his college career from 2022 to 2025, he appeared in multiple seasons, contributing as a tight end. In 2023, he played in ten games and was part of the Wolverines team that won the College Football Playoff national championship.

Over his four-year college career, Klein caught a total of 38 passes for 364 yards and one touchdown. His production was limited early on as he played behind All-American Colston Loveland for his first three seasons. In his senior season of 2025, he recorded 24 receptions for 248 yards and one touchdown.

Although Klein was not a primary receiving threat, he significantly improved as a blocker during his final year at Michigan, a skill that is expected to be a key asset in his transition to the NFL. His development in blocking was noted as a potential strength heading into his professional career.

Following Klein’s selection, the Michigan Wolverines’ tight end room for the 2026 season will consist of Zack Marshall, Hogan Hansen, and Deakon Tonielli as the primary tight ends. Jalen Hoffman and Eli Owens are listed as H-backs or fullbacks on the roster. Both Marshall and Hansen have shown promise in limited roles, with Hansen particularly noted for his potential to lead the group in receiving and snaps played, pending his recovery from an injury that caused him to miss most of the 2025 season.

Klein’s selection represents a milestone for international players in the NFL, highlighting the growing pathway for athletes from Germany and other countries to reach professional American football through collegiate programs and support organizations like the Gridiron Imports Foundation.

As an unsigned draft pick, Klein is now set to begin his professional career with the Houston Texans, where he will aim to contribute as a tight end, leveraging his improved blocking abilities and experience from a national championship season at Michigan.