2026 NFL Draft Report: Romello Height, Edge Rusher, Texas Tech

It is never too early to evaluate edge defender depth for the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Jason Licht has consistently valued rotational pass rushers who can win in obvious passing situations while contributing on special teams. In Todd Bowles’ defense, edge players must bring juice off the snap, finish behind the line of scrimmage, and maintain discipline against the run.

We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Texas Tech edge defender Romello Height.

Information

• School: Texas Tech

• Conference: Big 12

• Position: Edge / Outside Linebacker

• Height Weight: 6-3, 240 pounds

• Class: Senior

• Hometown: Dublin, Georgia

Background

Height’s collegiate journey has been anything but traditional. Since 2020, he has suited up for four different programs, Auburn, USC, Georgia Tech, and Texas Tech, navigating injuries, role changes, and scheme adjustments along the way.

Despite the movement, his production steadily climbed. After flashing at USC and Georgia Tech, he delivered his most complete season in 2025 at Texas Tech. He earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors, was named to the PFF All-Big 12 Team, and accepted a Senior Bowl invite.

Throughout his career, Height has appeared in 36-plus games with 1,047+ defensive snaps, and he entered his final season already credited with 69 career pressures by Pro Football Focus. His 2025 campaign elevated him into the national conversation as one of the most disruptive rushers in the country.

Notable Stats from 2025

• 598 total snaps

• 350 pass rush snaps

• 62 total pressures

• Nine sacks

• 11 quarterback hits

• 42 quarterback hurries

• 10.5 tackles for loss

• 92.5 overall defensive grade

Height’s 62 pressures on 350 pass rush snaps in 2025 translate to an elite 17.7 percent pressure rate. For context, anything above 15 percent at the collegiate level is a strong NFL-caliber disruption.

When factoring in previous seasons, Height has generated over 130 total career pressures across more than 1,600 defensive snaps, showcasing consistent backfield penetration despite multiple scheme transitions.

Skills

• Explosive first step

• Twitchy lateral quickness

• Ability to penetrate weak points in protection

• Relentless effort versus double teams

• Strong closing burst

• Active hands at contact

• High motor and intensity

• Special teams upside

Height wins with twitch and urgency. He consistently attacks soft spots in protection, slipping inside when tackles overset and bending around the edge when given space. His pass rush isn’t just speed-based; he battles through contact and keeps his feet moving through double teams.

As a finisher, he shows a real closing burst. Once he gains leverage, he accelerates through the quarterback rather than drifting past the pocket. His motor stands out on tape, especially in backside pursuit and extended plays.

At 240 pounds, he isn’t built like a traditional hand-in-the-dirt defensive end, but his versatility allows him to function as a stand-up edge in pressure packages. His energy profile also projects well to NFL special teams units early in his career.

Player Summary

Romello Height projects as a Day 2 selection, likely in the late second- to early third-round range, depending on team fit. His 2025 production and pressure efficiency give him legitimate upside as a sub-package disruptor.

In Tampa Bay, Height would fit as an early rotational pass rusher in Todd Bowles’ defense. His twitch and penetration ability would be valuable in third-down packages, while his intensity and athletic profile make him a strong candidate to contribute immediately on special teams.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Romello Height, Edge, Texas Tech