The Texans selected Michigan TE Marlin Klein with the 59th overall pick in 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 a 24-248-1 receiving line. 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 average depth of target (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 yards per route run (1.53).
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.”
Klein fared 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 inline blocker with limited opportunities in the passing game. 2024 fourth-rounder Cade Stover is also in the mix behind Schultz.
He has the athleticism and traits to develop into a starting-caliber NFL TE, but Schultz is signed through 2027.
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 4 target for patient dynasty managers who can afford to stash him.
You have our personal money-back guarantee: If you’re not happy with our service for any reason, just reach out by December 31, 2026, and we’ll give you 100% of this purchase back. No strings attached. You can cancel with one-click from your account page anytime.
Search
Redraft
Dynasty
Best Ball
