Watch Emotional Kayden McDonald Get Drafted by Texans in Trending Video as Last Player in Green Room

Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald's long wait in the 2026 NFL draft green room paid off.

McDonald, who waited out Thursday's first round in Pittsburgh, had an emotional reaction to hearing his name called early Friday after the Houston Texans traded up to select him with the fourth pick of Round 2.

The Texans traded up to draft McDonald at No. 36 because they were worried the New York Giants would select him at No. 37, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

The Giants, who could have been looking for help at defensive tackle after trading Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, instead selected Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood.

McDonald was named a unanimous All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year after recording nine tackles for loss and three sacks in 14 games of his junior season with Ohio State.

He was also ranked as the No. 24 overall prospect and No. 2 defensive lineman available in the draft on the final Bleacher Report big board.

B/R NFL scout Matt Holder reported that "while Kayden McDonald's technique is a work in progress, he displays a unique ability to get himself out of bad positions and dominate against the run thanks to his rare combination of size (6'2", 326 lbs), strength and athleticism."

The Texans have added one of the draft's top defensive prospects to a defensive tackle rotation currently led by returning players Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai as well as free agent signing Logan Hall.

Houston could be hoping the team has added some more stability to a position where DeMeco Ryans has been rotating through starters over his three seasons with the team.

A stronger interior of the defensive line between star edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter could help what was the NFL's most effective defense last season replicate their success in 2026.