After bouncing around college football with stops at Auburn, USC, and Georgia Tech, Romello Height finally found his stride at Texas Tech - and now, the NFL is calling.
In a recent two-round 2026 NFL mock draft, Height is projected to go 46th overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That’s a second-round slot, and it speaks volumes about how far he’s come, especially after the standout season he just had in Lubbock.
Let’s talk about that season. Under defensive coordinator Shiel Wood, Height didn’t just improve - he exploded.
He posted career highs across the board: 38 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. That’s the kind of production that turns heads in draft rooms.
He was disruptive, explosive off the edge, and consistently found ways to get into the backfield. It was the kind of performance that made you forget he’d ever worn another jersey.
Height finishes his college career with 111 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, and even a pick to his name. But it’s not just the numbers - it’s the trajectory.
He got better every year, and at Texas Tech, he finally put it all together. That kind of late bloom can be gold for NFL teams looking for upside.
And Tampa Bay? They could use a player like Height.
The Bucs’ defense gave up over 4,000 passing yards and 30 touchdowns through the air this season. Their pass rush struggled to consistently pressure quarterbacks, and their secondary paid the price.
Adding a player like Height could be a step toward fixing that.
Tampa’s defensive front has talent, but it needs more juice off the edge. Height brings that - along with a motor that doesn’t quit and a knack for getting into the backfield. If he lands in Tampa, he won’t be expected to carry the defense, but he could be a key piece in a unit that’s looking to re-establish its identity.
From a winding college path to a potential second-round pick, Romello Height’s story is one of resilience and growth. Now, he’s got a shot to take that next step - and if his final season at Texas Tech is any indication, he’s ready for it.