1. Welcome! Please take a few seconds to create your free account to post threads, make some friends, remove a few ads while surfing and much more. ClutchFans has been bringing fans together to talk Houston Sports since 1996. Join us!

[2026 NFL Draft/1-26] Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech

Discussion in 'Houston Texans' started by Mr. Dominant, Apr 23, 2026.

?

Do you like the selection of Keylan Rutledge?

  1. Yes

  2. No

Results are only viewable after voting.
  1. zeeshan2

    zeeshan2 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2013
    Messages:
    61,785
    Likes Received:
    74,169
    A league source said there was an actual threat that they could have potentially lost out on Rutledge within the AFC South.
    The #Titans were trying to move ahead of the Texans with the intention of drafting Rutledge, per an #NFL source. The Texans wanted Rutledge throughout the draft process, per sources.
    “Moving two spots was more of positioning that anything else,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “We felt like there could potentially be some interest in the player, so we felt like: ‘Alright, let’s move a couple of spots.’”

     
    Shark44, TheFreak, percicles and 2 others like this.
  2. Blatz

    Blatz Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2002
    Messages:
    7,740
    Likes Received:
    4,063
    That would also explain why the cost to move up was that 3rd round pick (69). Not only was a First Round tax added on, there were other teams interested. The 49ers and the Ravens had no higher picks to toss in.
     
    Shark44, TheFreak and ROCKSS like this.
  3. zeeshan2

    zeeshan2 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2013
    Messages:
    61,785
    Likes Received:
    74,169
  4. Landry's Tooth

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2020
    Messages:
    5,083
    Likes Received:
    3,272
    3rd and 2 instead of 3rd and 8 is the pass protection.
     
  5. Chilly_Pete

    Chilly_Pete Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2001
    Messages:
    2,962
    Likes Received:
    2,139
    I mean, even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.
     
  6. Landry's Tooth

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2020
    Messages:
    5,083
    Likes Received:
    3,272
    All teams fail at picking lineman. Even top 10 picks have a high bust rate.

    If you hit on half your first rounders you're doing ok.
     
    texans1095, TheFreak and Blatz like this.
  7. showa13

    showa13 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2011
    Messages:
    2,292
    Likes Received:
    2,124
    I don’t get the hate? Dude is exactly what the Oline needs. He was going 26th whether the Texans picked or someone else did. Price was higher than you’d ideally like but sounds like it was necessary to ensure you got him. Also get the sense he’s gonna end up at C
     
  8. Hemingway

    Hemingway Member
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2016
    Messages:
    14,556
    Likes Received:
    18,882
    This is another add that portends a smash mouth offensive leaning. Texans are going to run, run, run. I wouldn’t be surprised if we add another running back in the 4th or 5th round.
     
  9. zeeshan2

    zeeshan2 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2013
    Messages:
    61,785
    Likes Received:
    74,169
    https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/texans-draft-keylan-rutledge-22223436.php
     
    Blatz likes this.
  10. Landry's Tooth

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2020
    Messages:
    5,083
    Likes Received:
    3,272
    Jordan and Marks are a little more finesse. Marks plays physical but doesn't have the traits.

    Montgomery is a physical back.

    I think there's definitely room for a big physical back as depth behind Montgomery because that's something Marks and Jordan don't do.

    I think those 3 and a mid round pick would make the room.
     
    ROCKSS likes this.
  11. Mr. Dominant

    Mr. Dominant Member

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2007
    Messages:
    11,510
    Likes Received:
    7,093
    I mean I’m down for it. If it helps us with the W’s.
     
  12. zeeshan2

    zeeshan2 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2013
    Messages:
    61,785
    Likes Received:
    74,169
  13. percicles

    percicles Member

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2002
    Messages:
    12,722
    Likes Received:
    5,416
    I’m good with this pick. Not sexy but it’s what we needed.

    Like I said before GT went toe to toe against Georgia in 24’ and 25’. That 24’ went to overtime and they just kept exchanging offensive TDs.

    Key is a good HC with a background in OL and the pedigree of having been OL coach at Alabama in 16-18(?). So Keylan has gotten at the very least good coaching and experienced reps against SEC big dogs.
     
    Shark44, TheFreak and thegary like this.
  14. gfab-babyboi

    gfab-babyboi Member
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2005
    Messages:
    7,864
    Likes Received:
    7,458
    every year Nick stands pat and the guy they targeting get snatched 1-2 picks before them … I’m happy this year they finally said no, we not going to accept our second choice and pulled the trigger
     
  15. zeeshan2

    zeeshan2 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2013
    Messages:
    61,785
    Likes Received:
    74,169
  16. Blatz

    Blatz Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2002
    Messages:
    7,740
    Likes Received:
    4,063
    I'm not gonna lie, I find this pick sexy as #@*#
     
  17. Aruba77

    Aruba77 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 1999
    Messages:
    17,542
    Likes Received:
    23,531
    unfortunately this is the worst rb draft I can remember.
     
    raining threes likes this.
  18. zeeshan2

    zeeshan2 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2013
    Messages:
    61,785
    Likes Received:
    74,169
  19. Newlin

    Newlin Member

    Joined:
    May 22, 2015
    Messages:
    9,551
    Likes Received:
    12,562
    A lot of offensive linemen were picked in the first round. I wonder how far down Rutledge was in the pecking order for the Texans?
     
  20. Verbatim

    Verbatim Member

    Joined:
    Aug 2, 2001
    Messages:
    757
    Likes Received:
    98
    I think the team gauged the 28th pick and felt Keylan would be there and he match the needs and what they wanted in a player. You can see the move up 2 spots cost a lot. Once you realize the cost involve for moving up, it doesn't make sense to go for the "better" OL players. Besides, they like the junkyard dog in this player and the versatility for all 3 spots inside the line makes him a valuable back-up or even the best center. I think this is moving the team in the right direction. You want the side of the team that is weak to get better, and I believe the OL got a lot better. Now it's time for the QB, otherwise know is "trash" (accordingly to many on this board) to redeem himself. Just imagine an offense that is good (top half of the league instead of bottom of the league) and with a much stronger OL, better protection (hopefully). CJ gets comfortable, gets back to rookie form. Then look out....
     

Share This Page

  • About ClutchFans

    Since 1996, ClutchFans has been loud and proud covering the Houston Rockets, helping set an industry standard for team fan sites. The forums have been a home for Houston sports fans as well as basketball fanatics around the globe.

  • Support ClutchFans!

    If you find that ClutchFans is a valuable resource for you, please consider becoming a Supporting Member. Supporting Members can upload photos and attachments directly to their posts, customize their user title and more. Gold Supporters see zero ads!


    Upgrade Now