Texans GM calls rookie team’s best lineman after clashes with NFL’s best defenders

If Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio were a professor, he’d likely be known as a tough grader. The longtime football executive has spent 25 years in NFL talent evaluation, mostly under the leadership of legendary head coach Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots, and most recently in partnership with prominent head coach Demeco Ryans and the Houston Texans. Caserio’s personnel decisions and roster management mean new players must pass a “test” of sorts, whether to make the final 53-man roster or the Texans’ starting lineup. 

For rookie offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge, his test scores currently have him graded at the top of the class thus far. 

“He’s probably the best offensive lineman that we have,” Caserio said of Rutledge’s performance during training camp and preseason action. “We’re glad he’s here.”

With the regular season now just over one week away, the Texans are preparing for their season opener against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 13. For Rutledge, that means an earned starting position on the Texans’ offensive line. 

Who will start on the Texans’ offensive line against Buffalo?

“In the end we feel like Keylan [Rutledge] right now is the best left guard,” Caserio said. “If he has to go play center at some point, I’m sure he can do it. We feel right now the best spot for him is left guard with Evan [Brown] at center and [G] Ed [Ingram] at right guard.”

Rutledge, Brown and Ingram will likely be joined by tackles Aireontae Ersery and Trent Brown as the starters on the offensive line for the 2026 season. The Texans’ rookie has raised eyebrows for his play during training camp, especially skirmishes with star teammates and edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. However, Rutledge’s matchup against another star defender with the Las Vegas Raiders during a joint practice was likely a big moment in his locking up a starting spot. 

“[Rutledge] and [Maxx] Crosby got into it a little bit. Then they cut it off. He wasn’t backing down from Maxx,” Caserio said. “Maxx is one of the best players in the league. Maxx is a badass, I would say. Keylan is not afraid. He has physicality and toughness, which is why we drafted him. You saw that on his tape. Hopefully we can carry that through to the season, which I think everybody is pretty confident that he will.” 

How Houston rebuilt one of NFL’s worst offensive lines

The Texans’ offensive line was ranked No. 30 in pass blocking and No. 32-the worst in the league-in run blocking for the 2025 season, according to ESPN metrics. To improve the unit during the offseason, the Texans drafted Rutledge and signed veteran linemen Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith in free agency. Caserio’s evaluation of the position has been criticized in the past, but it’s clear he knows what he wants. 

“Offensive line play is about toughness and physicality. If they’re athletic enough that they can play on their feet enough, they at least have a chance. I think those are some of the things I think we prioritize trying to find guys that have those traits and attributes,” Caserio said. “When you look at it through that lens, going back to [C/G Keylan] Rutledge, he kind of has every one of those qualities.” 

For the O-line junkies, #Texans GM Nick Caserio went longgggg on evaluating offensive linemen. Question by @kimydavispic.twitter.com/NfOAlHAWC2

– Seth Payne (@SethCPayne) September 1, 2026

One could have concerns about Rutledge being deemed the Texans’ best offensive lineman and starting over the two newly acquired players-Teller is likely to be the first swing lineman off the bench, while Smith is on injured reserve with a plantar fascia injury. However, Rutledge’s performance so far suggests he could be a key foundational piece for the Texans, providing depth for the offensive line throughout the season. 

“I love how tough they are and how demanding they are,” Ryans said of Rutledge and Brown. “Their ability to communicate. Of course, their blocking ability, I think they’re both doing a great job.”

If the Texans can turn their biggest weakness into a strength in 2026, the rest of the league will have to contend with a team that’s fully balanced on both sides of the ball and ready to pass any test the league might present. 

More Sports

Another Exit | UFL moves on from Houston as league targets new markets
Splits | Brittney Griner files for divorce, says marriage is beyond repair
Shocking | Texas youth football coach fired over ties to alleged ‘sex dungeon’
Controversy | Tony Romo’s cheeky grin in mug shot following OWI arrest is everything

Catch up on Texas sports, sign up for the Launch Pad newsletter here. 

This article originally published at Texans GM calls rookie team’s best lineman after clashes with NFL’s best defenders.