Marlin Klein was once listed as a freak by The Athletic's Bruce Feldman, and on Friday night, the NFL's Houston Texans agreed, selecting Klein 59th overall.
It was the end of a crazy journey to the NFL. Klein came to Michigan football from Germany. His development took time, but over the past two seasons, Klein turned the corner, despite some nagging injuries.
Klein became the fourth Michigan football tight end drafted in the past four drafts, making it four consecutive for the Wolverines, with three coming in the second round.
The senior hauled in 24 receptions for 248 yards last season. He played 24 games over the past two seasons for Michgan, but dealt with some nagging injuries in 2025.
Klein has always been known as a good blocker. He was recognized as one of the best in college football last season at 6-foot-6, 250 pounds.
Texans are betting that Marlin Klein's best football is ahead of him
It's not a huge surprise that Klein got drafted. That was expected. However, he wasn't expected to be a day-two pick.
But the NFL draft isn't about the player you were in college. It's about what you can be, and Klein can be special if everything comes together.
At the very least, Klein should have a decent floor. He's a quality blocker and has big-time speed to hit the seam. It's fair to say he didn't play his best football or hasn't yet. Houston has to hope that will come in the future and maybe catching passes from C.J. Stroud will help.
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