The Houston Texans selected Michigan TE Marlin Klein with the 59th overall pick in Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Klein grew up in Germany playing soccer before moving to the United States in high school to pursue football. A three-star recruit, he landed at Michigan as a raw prospect. He replaced Colston Loveland in 2025, but injuries limited him to 24-248-1. Even so, he ranks among the best athletes in the class. Among the 27 TEs invited to the NFL Combine, Klein ranked fourth in 2025 aDOT (8.6), and 17th in team market share of receiving yards (13.4%). He ranked 18th in 2025 receiving yards per team pass attempt (1.01) and 12th in receiving yards per route run (1.53). He is currently 23 years old.
What They're Saying
Draft Sharks Rookie Guide: “His short-area quickness and change of direction mirror Loveland’s. He moves smoothly and separates with ease when he releases cleanly. Inexperience shows in his instincts. He struggles to settle in zones and refine small technique details that create separation.”
2026 Fantasy Football Impact
Klein faired well in Michigan's offense, but his immediate path to playing time is hampered by the presence of Dalton Schultz.
Klein earned an excellent 81.1 blocking grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024 and a 73.9 mark in 2025.
As long as Schultz is healthy, Klein's early role looks like an in-line blocker with limited opportunities in the passing game.
Dynasty Impact
He has the athleticism and traits to develop into a starting-caliber NFL TE, but Schultz is signed through the 2027 season.
That makes Klein an upside stash in dynasty formats.
Klein's second-round draft capital might push him up rookie draft boards, but he looks like a Round 3/4 target for patient dynasty managers who can afford to stash him.