San Francisco 49ers select edge rusher Romello Height at No. 70 in 2026 NFL Draft

San Francisco 49ers selected Texas Tech defensive end Romello Height with the 70th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 24.

The selection came after the 49ers traded with the Cleveland Browns, sending picks 58 and 152 to acquire picks 70 and 107. Height, a six-year senior who played at Auburn, USC, Georgia Tech, and Texas Tech, emerged as a disruptive edge rusher in his final season, recording 10.0 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss for the Big 12 champions.

At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 39-inch vertical jump, metrics that placed him in the 94th percentile for explosiveness. His arm length of 32.25 inches ranked in the 12th percentile among prospects, a detail that drew scrutiny from evaluators concerned about his ability to shed blocks at the NFL level.

Height’s production translated to a 20% pressure rate in 2025, the fourth-highest among edge rushers in the draft class, and he ranked second in win percentage at 22.5%, just behind Rueben Bain Jr.’s 22.9%. He totaled 35 quarterback hits and 59 pressures during his senior season, underscoring his disruptive potential despite his relatively compact frame of 6-foot-3 and 239 pounds.

The 49ers viewed Height as a direct replacement for Bryce Huff, whose role as a designated pass rusher on obvious passing downs the team sought to replicate. His high-effort playing style and explosive first step were cited as key attributes that aligned with the team’s needs, particularly as they navigate the return of Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams from ACL injuries.

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USA TODAY Sports assigned the selection a B-minus grade, citing Height’s potential to add a different dimension to the pass rush now that defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is no longer with the team. Analysts noted his explosive first step and active hands but questioned whether his frame would hold up against NFL run defenses without added strength or improved technique.

Despite his late bloomer status—having recorded only 6.5 sacks over his first five college seasons—Height’s late-career surge at Texas Tech positioned him as a value pick in the third round, where he was projected to be selected around the 74th spot on SB Nation’s big board.

How does Romello Height’s production compare to other edge rushers in the 2026 draft class?

Height ranked second in win percentage (22.5%) and fourth in pressure percentage (20%) among all edge rushers in the 2026 draft class, trailing only Rueben Bain Jr. In win percentage and placing behind three other prospects in pressure generation.

This follows our earlier report, Front-load primary entity: Pittsburgh Steelers (organization) Strong verb: Weighing (active, precise — reflects internal decision-making) Core tension: Two divergent draft paths — offensive line vs. Receiver depth Context: New coach Mike McCarthy’s scheme, QB uncertainty, thin WR corps beyond Pittman/Metcalf Avoids: Inventing entities (no Rodgers confirmation — only “Rodgers’ return” as a possibility in the article), no clickbait, no banned phrases Under 80 chars: Count carefully Drafting options: – “Steelers Weigh OL Boost vs. WR Depth in McCarthy’s Scheme” → 52 chars – “Steelers Face Draft Choice: Guard or Receiver Under McCarthy” → 50 chars – “Steelers Debate OL Upgrade vs. WR Depth in New Scheme” → 51 chars – “Steelers Weigh Guard Pick vs. Receiver Depth for 2026 Draft” → 52 chars Best balance: “Steelers Weigh OL Boost vs. WR Depth in McCarthy’s Scheme” – Front-loads “Steelers” – Strong verb: “Weigh” – Specific: “OL Boost” (offensive line), “WR Depth” (wide receiver depth) – Context: “in McCarthy’s Scheme” — directly from article (McCarthy emphasized versatility) – Accurate: Article explicitly states they’re weighing two paths: “bolster the offensive line with a mauling guard” or “double down on receiver depth” – No invented entities: Doesn’t assume Rodgers is returning or leaving — just references the internal debate – No banned words – 52 characters — well under 80 Final check: Is “OL Boost” clear enough for SEO? Yes — NFL fans and analysts commonly use “OL” for offensive line. “WR Depth” is standard. The phrase mirrors how beat writers and draft analysts discuss team needs. Return only the headline..

Why did the 49ers trade with the Browns to secure the 70th pick?

The 49ers acquired the 70th and 107th picks from the Browns in exchange for the 58th and 152nd selections, a move that allowed them to secure Height even as retaining additional draft capital for future use.

What concerns have analysts raised about Height’s ability to translate his college success to the NFL?

Analysts have questioned whether Height’s 6-foot-3, 239-pound frame will withstand the physical demands of NFL offensive lines, suggesting he may need to add weight or refine his technique to avoid being a liability in run defense until he develops greater strength.

How does Height’s collegiate journey reflect his development as a player?

Height spent his first five seasons at Auburn, USC, and Georgia Tech, where he recorded only 6.5 sacks, before transferring to Texas Tech in 2025 and breaking out with 10.0 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss, highlighting a late-career surge that defined his draft profile.

Height Tech Draft