The Texans added Wade Woodaz with the No. 123 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, using their second selection of Day 3 to stay focused on defense. The Clemson linebacker arrives after Houston traded back six spots with the Los Angeles Chargers, then turned the pick into Wade Woodaz. Woodaz comes to Houston after a college career that included major production, recognition, and a reputation for versatility.
Houston stays on defense with Wade Woodaz
Houston chose defense with its second pick on Day 3, and Wade Woodaz became the latest addition after the Texans sent the No. 117 pick to Los Angeles in the deal. The move came after Houston had already selected a guard with the 106th pick, showing a draft sequence that mixed offensive line help with a defensive pickup early on Day 3.
At Clemson, Wade Woodaz was listed as a 2025 Third Team All-ACC selection by Phil Steele. He was also a three-time All-ACC Academic Team honoree and graduated from Clemson with a degree in marketing. Those details frame a player whose profile reaches beyond pure production and into the classroom as well.
Wade Woodaz brings production and range
Wade Woodaz measured 6-foot-3 and 236 pounds, and he ran a 4. 52-second forty at Clemson’s Pro Day. That time would have tied for third among all linebackers at the NFL Combine, a marker that helps explain why his versatility drew attention during the draft process.
His college numbers back up the profile. Across 51 games, Wade Woodaz finished with 201 tackles, 28. 5 tackles for loss, 9. 0 sacks, 11 passes defensed, three interceptions, four forced fumbles and a blocked punt. One of those interceptions was returned for a touchdown, giving Houston a linebacker with a broad statistical footprint.
The context around Wade Woodaz also includes his role at Clemson and how he was viewed by the program. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney called him “a baller, ” adding that he is “a fun guy to coach and a fun guy to watch play because he plays the way you want everybody to play. ”
Immediate reaction from Clemson
Swinney’s praise centered on effort, consistency and style of play, all traits that appeared repeatedly in the scouting conversation around Wade Woodaz. The description matters because Houston’s Day 3 approach favored players who could step into multiple roles and help a defense in different situations.
Woodaz was also described as a converted safety, another sign of the flexibility Houston is adding to the linebacker room. That background, paired with his tackling totals and disruptive plays, gives the Texans a player whose value can be measured in several ways rather than one.
What comes next for Houston
The Texans’ draft path has now included multiple moves, including the trade that sent the No. 117 pick to Los Angeles and earlier activity to move up in the draft. With Wade Woodaz now in the mix, Houston will continue shaping the roster as the draft unfolds and the rest of the Day 3 board develops.
For now, the clearest takeaway is simple: Houston used a valuable mid-round pick on Wade Woodaz and did so with defense in mind. His college production, athletic profile and academic record all explain why the Texans made Wade Woodaz part of their Day 3 plan.
