The Houston Texans have found a potential eventual replacement for starter Dalton Schultz at tight end with Marlin Klein, using the 59th overall pick.
Klare joins a maligned group for the Texans.
They were snake-bitten last season, dealing with myriad injuries, including to Schultz during the postseason. It was not for lack of investments, though, leaving Kein–a developmental prospect–up against some daunting history for Houston.
Texans Go Back to TE Well in 2026 Draft With Marlin Klein
GettyMarlin Klein #17, seen here in action for the Michigan Wolverines, is a new addition to the Houston Texans.
“Interesting pick for the #Texans to take Klein in the 2nd round,” The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander posted on X on April 24. “He was projected to go in 3rd or 4th round. But the Texans were obviously convicted in that he was their favorite TE.”
ESPN’s DJ Bein-Aime shared Klein’s “unique story” about his journey to the NFL.
“He’s from Germany and played soccer until early high school before he decided he wanted to play football,” Bien-Aime posted on X on April 24. “Eventually, he connected with former Colts first round pick Bjoern Werner, who’s from Germany and started a non-profit called Gridiron Imports Foundation.
“The organization aims to grow football internationally by providing opportunities to play football and pursue an education in either the high school or college level in the United States. That sent him to a boarding school in Georgia to play football and eventually earned a scholarship to Michigan.”
Klein won a championship with Michigan in 2023, adding a championship pedigree to the Texans’ tight end room.
“Klein is known for his in-line blocking, but I’m most excited by what’s on his tape, including his speed, route running, and confident hands when plucking on the run,” The Ringer’s Todd McShay wrote in his pre-draft profile. “He has a lot of upside and should thrive playing with an NFL-level QB. Klein projects as a no. 3 tight end as a rookie but should quickly rise to a no. 2 role. Klein has a very similar college arc and athletic profile to Luke Schoonmaker, but his higher-end comparison is Dalton Schultz.”
He was McShay’s TE3 in the class, but he was fourth off the board in joining the Texans.
TEs on Notice After Texans Follow Through
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio speaks to the media during the NFL Combine.
Klein joins Schultz, who signed with the team as a free agent in 2023 and received an extension this offseason, free agent signing Foster Moreau, as well as former Texans draft picks Brevin Jordan, Cade Stover, and Luke Lachey, among others.
However, Texans general manager Nick Caserio made it quite clear that they would look to further bolster the group.
“We got a lot of guys in some different categories,” Caserio told reporters in April, said of the group that includes starter Dalton Schultz and backups Cade Stover, Brevin Jordan, and 2026 free agency signing Foster Moreau.
“There’s some question marks if we’re just being real. But we think there’s some players there that potentially can help us.”
Time will tell if Klein has what it takes to assume the top TE spot for the Texans.
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Texans Draft Champion With 59th Overall Pick of 2026 NFL Draft