Marlin Klein

Klein spent 53.8% of his snaps in 2025 in-line (38.6% slot). He has decent burst off the line. Klein will flash solid route salesmanship with in-breakers and out and ups. He has to continue to hone his game against zone coverage. He'll drift with his routes at times and lack spatial awareness. Klein isn't a beast after the catch. He had only 5.5 yards after the catch per reception in 2025 while forcing only one missed tackle in college. His athletic limitations show up when he's asked to adjust to targets outside of his frame. He has a hard time gearing down with routes breaking back toward the quarterback. He's a linear player, which will likely limit his usage and versatility in the NFL. Klein can hold his own as a pass protector, as a combo block and chip option. I wouldn't suggest an NFL team line him up against an edge 1-on-1 in his rookie season, though. Those are battles that he isn't likely to win consistently. He does keep a strong base and solid punch, so there's upside here with Klein as a blocker.

The Houston Texans have selected TE Marlin Klein with the No. 59 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Fantasy Impact

Klein heads to Houston with the 59th overall pick and will provide depth at the tight end position. The Michigan product has tremendous size (6-6, 242), but is most likely viewed more as a blocking tight end than as a receiver. Klein did not have eye-popping numbers at Michigan, totaling just 37 catches for 364 yards and one score in three seasons. Starting TE Dalton Schultz is 29 and on the last year of his contract, so the Texans thought drafting tight end would be beneficial. Klein will likely use 2026 as a developmental year and could likely be viewed as the tight end of the future in Houston.