The San Francisco 49ers took defensive end Romello Height in the third round (No. 70 overall) in the 2026 NFL draft after a college career that was split between four schools – Auburn, USC, Georgia Tech and Texas Tech.
In 50 collegiate games over six seasons, Height recorded 111 tackles (27 for a loss), 16.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.
49ers vice president of player personnel Tariq Ahmed shared that the team identified Height as someone who plays as if his hair were on fire.
“He does not stop,” Ahmad said (via “The Athletic”). “It is incredible watching him strain. It was one of the many things that I absolutely loved about his tape.”
Throughout the pre-draft process, Height impressed at the combine and even left a positive impact on his teammates, including two other defensive linemen who went earlier than he did in this year’s draft.
“I thought the combine interview was awesome,” he said. “I fell in love with him at the combine. He’s serious. I mean, you could feel how much passion he has. He comes on a 30 visit, and it’s the same thing. He just loves football…
“We talked to teammates of his — he was the guy they’d want to bring with them. He was a guy they believed in. It’s exciting that everything Texas Tech told us about his passion, we’ve seen out here the last few weeks.”
While the 49ers are bringing Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams back from torn ACLs, Height may have to play an important role early in his rookie season, and if he impresses his coaches, he could find himself staying in the rotation once Bosa and Williams are healthy.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: High-ranking 49ers exec says he ‘fell in love’ with rookie pre-draft
Reporting by Mike Masala, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
