The San Francisco 49ers picked Texas Tech edge rusher Romello Height with the 70th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
On Monday, Jul. 6, the team officially signed Height to a four-year, $7.29 million contract.
What Will Romello Height Bring to the 49ers Defense?
The 25-year-old is certainly an older prospect who can look to make an immediate impact from the jump. The 6-foot-3-inch, 239-pounder is known for bringing speed off the edge.
Height can use his athleticism in obvious passing situations to help bolster a 49ers’ defensive line that finished last in the NFL in sacks last season.
In his six-year collegiate career, the Georgia native tallied 111 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, 16.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, two passes defensed and one interception. Height played his final year of college ball at Texas Tech, where he had a breakout season. He started all 14 games for the Red Raiders and recorded 11 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.
GettySANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – MAY 28: Romello Height #94 of the San Francisco 49ers works out during a team OTA practice at SAP Performance Facility on May 28, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
49ers Look To Get Improved Play From Defensive Line
San Francisco lost superstar defensive end Nick Bosa and 2025 first-round rookie Mykel Williams to torn ACLs last season. Bosa got injured in a Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals and Williams suffered his season-ending injury in Week 9 against the New York Giants.
Both were a huge loss to a defensive line group that struggled to get to the quarterback and stop the run.
49ers general manager John Lynch said that Bosa is expected to be ready by training camp. But Lynch is unsure if Williams will be ready by Week 1.
Bosa’s presence will immediately improve the 49ers’ defensive front. San Francisco also returns defensive tackles Alfred Collins and C.J West. Both saw a lot of snaps as rookies last season. They also traded a 2026 third-round pick for Dallas Cowboys DT Osa Odighizuwa.
However, the 49ers lost edge rusher Bryce Huff after the 28-year-old announced his retirement from the NFL. Huff led the team with 4.5 sacks.
Given the 49ers’ lack of depth behind Bosa at edge rusher, Height can earn snaps as early as Week 1.
Getty49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa walks to the locker room during a game against the Arizona Cardinals on September 21, 2025.
Recapping the San Francisco 49ers’ 2026 NFL Draft
Romello Height joins the 49ers’ rookie class of seven other prospects.
After trading down twice, San Francisco used their 33rd pick to select Ole Miss wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling. After taking Height with the 70th overall pick, the 49ers took Indiana running back Kaelon Black in the third round (90th overall).
The 49ers added depth at numerous positions thereafter. They took Oklahoma DT Gracen Halton in the 4th, Washington OL Carver Willis in the 4th, Washington CB Ephesians Prysock in the 4th, Louisiana LB Jaden Dugger in the 5th and Kansas OT Enrique Cruz Jr. in the 5th round.
49ers Lock In Rookie Edge Rusher Romello Height on 4-Year Deal