Texans Linked to Serious Interest in Ohio State Offensive Star

Houston has two second-round picks and could target tight end Max Klare to boost their passing attack.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:25pm

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The Houston Texans have reportedly met extensively with Ohio State tight end Max Klare and are among several teams showing significant interest in the top pass-catching tight end prospect ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Klare is considered a potential second-round target for the Texans, who have a need at the position after losing Dalton Schultz to injury late last season.

Why it matters

The Texans' passing game was severely depleted when Schultz went down with an injury in the playoffs, so adding a dynamic receiving threat at tight end like Klare could provide a major boost to their offense. Klare is viewed as one of the best tight ends in this year's draft class and could be an instant-impact player for Houston.

The details

According to reports, the Texans have met extensively with Klare since the NFL Combine, and he is also drawing interest from teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers. Klare is a 6-foot-4, 246-pound tight end who caught 43 passes for 448 yards and 2 touchdowns in his final season at Ohio State, earning First Team All-Big 10 honors. He is still recovering from an ankle injury but is expected to be fully healthy for the start of the NFL season.

  • Klare met extensively with the Texans since the NFL Combine.

The players

Max Klare

A top tight end prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, where he was a First Team All-Big 10 selection after catching 43 passes for 448 yards and 2 touchdowns in his final season.

Dalton Schultz

The Texans' starting tight end who was just signed to a one-year, $12 million extension, but missed time late last season due to a calf injury.

Nico Collins

A wide receiver for the Texans who was also out when Schultz was injured, leaving the team's passing attack depleted.

Foster Moreau

A tight end the Texans signed in free agency to provide blocking depth at the position.

Cade Stover

A tight end prospect who will compete for a roster spot with the Texans in training camp.

Brevin Jordan

Another tight end prospect who will compete for a roster spot with the Texans in training camp.

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What they’re saying

“According to KPRC2's Aaron Wilson, Ohio State tight end Max Klare has met "extensively in-person" with the Texans since the NFL combine.”

— Aaron Wilson, Reporter

What’s next

The Texans will continue to evaluate Klare and other tight end prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, where they hold two second-round picks that could be used to select the Ohio State standout.

The takeaway

The Texans' need for a dynamic receiving threat at tight end was exposed late last season when Dalton Schultz went down with an injury. Adding a player like Max Klare, who is viewed as one of the top tight ends in this year's draft class, could provide a major boost to their passing attack and help take their offense to the next level.