Defensive tackle Kayden McDonald of the Houston Texans experienced an unexpected turn during the 2024 NFL Draft. While 17 players attended the first round in attendance, he was one of only two who did not hear their names called.
Undeterred, McDonald returned for the second round and earned his moment on stage when the Texans traded up to select him at No. 36 overall.
Following his selection, McDonald made his intentions clear: he intends to prove he deserved to be picked earlier.
"Everybody that went before me, that fuels me. There's not one player better than me in this class. I'm going to show it. I'm coming in to work."McDonald’s comments were reported by DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com.
During his final season at Ohio State, McDonald recorded 65 tackles, including nine tackles for loss and three sacks.
Related articles
NFL Grants Rams Extra Recovery Day After Australia Game, Leaving 49ers Without Adjustment Time
When 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan aired grievances at the annual NFL meetings in March about his team getting the short straw for a long trip to Australi...
Raiders' Fernando Mendoza Start Timeline: When Could the Rookie QB Debut?
'' Raiders coach Klint Kubiak repeatedly has said he would prefer that a rookie quarterback not start Day 1. That's why the Raiders signed veteran qua...
Trevor Lawrence's Haircut Featured in Jaguars' 2026 Schedule Video: Real or AI?
Last month, an image emerged of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence with short hair. It was fake.Now, it's apparently real.The Jaguars' 2026 schedule-...
NFL Bye Week Schedule: Chiefs, Panthers Get Early Break; Cowboys, Cardinals Late
The NFL did the Chiefs a favor, giving them an early off week as Patrick Mahomes works his way back.The Chiefs and Panthers have the earliest possible...
Chargers’ 2026 NFL Schedule Release Video: Best Moments and Halo-Inspired Highlights
The 2026 NFL regular season schedule is finally here. And some have called this day the Super Bowl for the various social media departments within eac...
Seahawks vs. Rams Rivalry Heads to Christmas Day Showdown in 2026
In 2025, the Seahawks and Rams were arguably the best two teams in the NFL. They met three times.In 2026, they won't meet at all until Week 16.The fir...
NFL Week 12 2026 Features Record Nine Broadcast Windows: Full Schedule Breakdown
The Thanksgiving stretch will include even more football than turkey.Week 12 of the 2026 season includes NINE different NFL windows. NINE.It starts on...
ESPN Takes Over NFL Network’s Schedule Release Show After Merger
The most tangible indication yet regarding ESPN's control over NFL Network happened on Thursday night.NFL Network did not have its own schedule-releas...