The Houston Texans needed to upgrade their offensive weapons this offseason, and tight end Marlin Klein could be the answer. Originally from Cologne, Germany, Klein was selected by the Texans at No. 27 in the second round of April's draft. Some might have categorized the pick as a slight reach, but it's already paying off.
Houston fell to the Los Angeles Chargers by a score of 27-7 in the first preseason game. Klein was only in the game for the opening drive, but he made great use of his time between the lines, hauling in a 31-yard catch from QB Davis Mills. It was the longest play of the day for the Texans, and Klein ended up leading the team in receiving yards. He also forced a pass interference call later in the drive.
Rookie tight end Marlin Klein could be the explosive piece the Texans need
Following the loss to the Chargers, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans couldn't wait to talk about Klein.
"I thought he really shined today," Ryans said. "Everybody saw the pass that he caught - that's where he can excel for our offense and just open the offense up. His catch radius (makes it) tough to guard him. He definitely has the speed as well to run away from guys, so he stood out to me."
Klein was drafted mostly for his potential, as he stands at 6-foot-6 and posted an unofficial vertical jump of 36 inches at the NFL combine. He didn't produce much during his time in college at Michigan, but the lack of highlights can be attributed to playing behind Colston Loveland for two years and operating in a run-heavy offense.
As a Wolverine, Klein posted 38 receptions, 364 yards and one touchdown in his career. Klein was named as a starter and team captain for the first time in 2025, and his leadership traits likely played a part in the Texans drafting him.
Klein appeared to be comfortable as a blocker in the preseason game as well, but given the ground-and-pound offense he came from, it should have been expected. The TE2 position behind Dalton Schultz could already be in his grasp.
The Texans dealt with major injuries on offense in 2025, with wide receiver Tank Dell and running back Joe Mixon both missing the entire campaign. Additionally, wide receiver Nico Collins has yet to play a full season. If Houston's pass catchers are healthy in 2026, Klein should still see some red zone targets. However, if one of the Texans' wide receivers (or Schultz) misses time, Klein's role will likely be elevated.
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