RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesWhen the Houston Texans entered the draft room back in April, tight end was a position that needed attention.
For years, the Texans have relied on Dalton Schultz as the go-to option inside. He's delivered since joining the team in 2023, finishing with over 59 catches for 630 or more yards and at least three touchdowns in two seasons. Last year, Schultz broke Owen Daniels' single-season receptions record for tight ends with 82 catches.
But Schultz has been consistent on offense, the rest of the room hasn't come close to meeting the standard. Injuries, inconsistent play and lack of development have hindered the growth of the position as a whole and provide little help to the passing attack.
So in theory, the Texans were wise to use a second-round pick on a tight end. Drafting German-born Michigan standout Marlin Klein with a top-60 pick, however, did raise eyebrows at the time of the selection, though don't tell that to Houston's play-caller.
Rookie Marlin Klein working the corner end zone. pic.twitter.com/rkCwxLeV0y
— Troy_OTC (@TexansCap) August 1, 2026 "Marlin is a talented kid," Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley said Friday. "He works his ass off. He's got a big runway out in front of him. Big, tough, can build speed, good catch radius. We're trying to put him in positions to be able to get a lot of reps at the techniques that we're trying to get. There's a lot at that position."
One of several tight ends from Ann Arbor now in the NFL, Klein did look like a promising prospect with upside as a pass-catcher during his lone season as a starter. After taking over for No. 10 overall pick Colston Loveland and A.J. Barner, the 6-foot-6 senior caught 24 passes for 248 yards and a touchdown.
From a size standpoint, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans sees Klein adding mismatch value as a receiving threat. There have been moments throughout training camp where Klein has simply overpowered defensive backs while working with the second-team unit in route-running to create opportunities downfield.
Finishing the job is where Klein must continue to improve. After missing a majority of offseason workouts with a lower-body injury, he's now making up for lost time. During Saturday's open practice, Klein did make several nice catches, but he also dropped a pass that hit him in the chest on a play that woul have gone for 20 yards.
Nick Caley on Marlin Klein: “Marlin is a talented kid. He works his ass off. He’s got a big runway out in front of him. Big, tough, can build speed, good catch radius. Just trying to out him in positions to get a lot of reps at that position, you’re I’ll over in run game… https://t.co/kLIR0fAob0 pic.twitter.com/JW4ZgRSdeT
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) July 31, 2026 "We're bringing him along. He's working his ass off," Caley said. "He's doing a really nice job. I'm excited for those guys. They just have to keep it going."
As a top-60 pick from April, Klein is likely a lock to make the roster. Playing time, however, isn't guaranteed. He'll be competing with Foster Moreau, Cade Stover and Brevin Jordan for reps opposite Schultz, so standing out is essential.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans isn't looking for one special trait with Klein. He just wants more consistency as training camp rolls on.
"He's a matchup problem inside" HC DeMeco Ryans on TE Marlin Klein @TheMarlinklein pic.twitter.com/HvtpswzmID
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 1, 2026 "Marlin is going to really shine in the passing game," Ryans said. "He's a matchup problem inside on safeties and on linebackers with his size and his catch radius. He can really run. He runs really well. He's done a really good job. We're throwing a lot at him.
"He'll have some ups and downs throughout camp, but overall, he's doing a really nice job. I'm excited to see Marlin get in some game action and go play."
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans continue to see progress with rookie TE Marlin Klein through early stages of training camp
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