Setting Expectations for Texans Rookies in Their First Game
· Yahoo Sports
HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 20: Center Keylan Rutledge #66 of the Houston Texans readies for play during the NFL preseason game between the Houston Texans and the Las Vegas Raiders on August 20, 2026, at Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Every fanbase wants their rookies to make an immediate impact, but that’s not always the case. Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills will shine a light on the potential of this impressive rookie class. Seven of the eight rookies made the roster, a novelty in the Nick Caserio era. While only First-rounder Keylan Rutledge is projected to start, expect the rest of the class to make their mark on the big game in their own way.
The Monday after the game I will follow up this article with a post recapping each rookie’s performance against the key stat they’ll be evaluated against below.
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Keylan Rutledge, OG – Round 1
- Role: Starter
- Expectations: To handle the tall task…Welcome to the NFL. Your first assignment is blocking Ed Oliver and Deone Walker. Houston will know exactly what they have in their first-round pick Rutledge after week one. The rookie will be asked to gel with Evan Brown and Aireontae Ersery fast to protect Stroud in an early and incredibly important game.
- Key stat: Pressures allowed
Kayden McDonald, DT – Round 2
- Role: Stop the run on early downs, third-and-short, and in the redzone.
- Expectation: Little has been made of McDonald’s preseason play despite the high draft capital expended on the defensive tackle. Much should be made of McDonald being listed as the fifth DT on the initial depth chart. McDonad’s role will be more profound in the back half of the season as he develops into a new role and system. For the game against Buffalo, he’ll need to help temper RB James Cook and force the Bills offense into third and long situations.
- Key stat: Run stuffs
Marlin Klein, TE – Round 2
- Role: Blocking TE and explosive play option
- Expectation: Starting Sunday, either Klein’s doubters or staunch supporters will be validated. Don’t expect Klein to make a major impact in the pass game Week One. One to two catches maximum should be expected from the rookie TE. His impact o nthe play action game and run will hopefully unlock this offense and free up the playbook for OC Nick Caley.
- Key stat: Run blocking grade, explosive plays
Febechi Nwaiwu, OG – Round 4
- Role: Special teams blocker
- Expectation: Nwaiwu is not expected to start. He may not even make the game day roster given the number of lineman Houston kept on the 53-man roster. It would be great to get his feet wet in special teams for him to get NFL snaps. He’s nowhere near a ready prospect, but slow-rolling the lineman could give him the confidence to one day take over the guard role in Houston.
- Key stat: Special teams snaps
Wade Woodaz, LB – Round 4
- Role: Third linebacker
- Expectation: With the injuries to linebacker, Woodaz has been elevated to a more prominent role on the defense. Jake Hansen is back and practicing, but it’s Woodaz who is slated to be the extra LB in 4-3 defensive sets. Woodaz is the younger, more athletic prospect and is better suited to complement starters Henry T0’oTo’o and Azeez Al-Shaair. Woodaz could arguably play the second most snaps as a rookie against Buffalo.
- Key stat: Tackles
Kamari Ramsey, S – Round 5
- Role: Special teamer
- Expectation: Ideally, Kamari doesn’t see the field on defense as the designated backup safety. He should contribute on special teams kickoff, return, and punt. his speed and tackling make for a plus-special teamer, but there’s a chance he’s inactive on game day for more experienced options.
- Key stat: Special teams tackles
Lewis Bond, WR – Round 6
- N/A – Practice Squad
Aiden Fisher, LB – Round 7
- Role: Earn the 53-man roster spot
- Expectation: Most likely, he’s among the inactive players on game day. If he’s available, he’ll be exclusively a special teams asset. The Texans kept six linebackers and Fisher is the sixth of those players. Getting him on the field will be a test of his growth early. For now, his opportunity against the Bills will come on special teams.
- Key stat: Active on game day