After trading three times and making one pick (wide receiver De'Zhaun Stripling) in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft, the San Francisco 49ers were back on the clock in the third round.At No. 70 overall, the 49ers took Texas Tech defensive end Romello Height.Here's what fans should know about their newest edge rusher before he arrives at the facility.MeasurablesAt 6-foot-2 and 239 pounds, Height ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash with a 1.62-second 10-yard split at the NFL combine. He also recorded a 39-inch vertical jump and a 125-inch broad jump.Collegiate CareerHeight was a three-star recruit in high school and played at four schools in his collegiate career, with stops at Auburn (2020-21), USC (2022-23), Georgia Tech (2024) and Texas Tech (2025).In 50 games over six seasons, Height recorded 111 tackles, 16.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception.
He earned All-Big 12 honors in 2025.Comaprison to first-round pickFormer Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock compared him to first-round pick David Bailey."There’s a defensive end at Texas Tech that’s not David Bailey, it’s Romello Height," Mayock said. "I think he’s going to go in the third round. He’s just as explosive as David Bailey.
His first three steps are legit, the only difference is he’s 12 pounds lighter, not as powerful or strong. But somebody’s going to draft him and he’s going to be a sub-package guy immediately."Expected RoleWith Mykel Williams and Nick Bosa returning from ACL injuries and Bryce Huff surprisingly retiring this offseason, Height could have a bigger role than a usual third-round pick. Ideally, he'll be a rotational edge rusher at some point in his rookie season.More 49ers: 49ers 1st 2026 draft pick never spoke to head coach or GM before draftThis article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL draft: 4 things to know about new 49ers DE Romello Height