April 24, 2026, 8:58 p.m. ET
For the fourth 12 months in a row, a Michigan football tight finish has been drafted by an NFL workforce.
Marlin Klein was chosen No. 59 total in the second spherical by the Houston Texans on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, following in the footsteps of Colston Loveland (2025 Round 1, Chicago Bears), AJ Barner (2024 Round 4, Seattle Seahawks) and Luke Schoonmaker (2023 Round 2, Dallas Cowboys) the earlier three years.
The 6-foot-6, 250-pound tight finish was a Michigan captain in 2025. He battled by way of accidents in 2025, however opted for the NFL with one season of eligibility remaining. Klein had the most effective marketing campaign of his modest profession in 2025, grabbing 24 receptions for 248 yards (10.3 yards per catch) and one landing in 11 video games.
“The NFL is getting an explosive player that can do whatever is asked of him – play special teams, run block and catch the ball and someone who is not going to complain about his usage,” Klein told ESPN when he declared for the draft. “They are getting a player that’s willing to die for his teammates.”
He began the 2025 season with a profession day, catching six passes for 93 yards and the primary landing of Bryce Underwood’s profession, however he didn’t discover the top zone once more as he battled to remain on the sector. Klein missed the Week 2 loss at Oklahoma after sustaining a decrease physique damage throughout observe and likewise missed the 24-7 win over Washington at dwelling in mid-October with one other undisclosed damage.
Klein, who had 4 catches for 39 yards in U-M’s Citrus Bowl loss to Texas, additionally needed to depart that recreation early after he took what gave the impression to be a helmet-to-helmet hit alongside the sideline. The Cologne, Germany, native performed in 35 profession video games throughout 4 seasons and was named an All-Big Ten honorable point out to wrap up his profession.
The tight finish who landed at No. 35 The Athletic’s ‘Freaks List’ entering the season examined very properly on the scouting mix, operating a 4.61 40-yard sprint with a 36-inch vertical leap. His RAS ranked in the top 10% among tight ends over the past 30 years.
Tony Garcia is the Michigan beat author for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and observe him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
