Can rookie Romello Height ignite San Francisco's struggling pass rush? Experts believe the electrifying edge rusher could significantly boost the Niners' defense in 2026.
The NFL draft continues to be the story of the National Football League this week. The San Francisco 49ers made a handful of eye-opening decisions that many deem both good and bad.
Among them was the team's second selection of the draft in Texas Tech edge rusher Romello Height. So far, unlike many of the team's selections, Height's addition is being labeled a resounding success.
If you were able to listen to draft coverage heading into the weekend of selections, you probably heard the name as a post-first round option. The 49ers drafted Height with the No. 70 overall pick.
David Bonilla of 49ers Webzone projected Height's immediate impact on the Niners heading into the 2026 season. Here's some of what Bonilla shared on the rookie edge rusher's potential in the upcoming season.
"You've likely heard the statistic all offseason regarding the San Francisco 49ers—probably more than you'd like. Twenty total sacks. Fewest in the NFL. Et cetera, et cetera. It underscores one of the 49ers' most pressing issues last season: an anemic pass rush.
Bryce Huff led the team with just four sacks before abruptly retiring after the 2025 campaign. The honor of leading the 49ers in that category may have belonged to Nick Bosa had his season not been cut short by an ACL injury.
While Bosa is expected back for the 2026 season, San Francisco understood it needed additional reinforcements to pressure opposing quarterbacks. That urgency led the 49ers to use a third-round pick (No. 70 overall) on edge rusher Romello Height, a 6-foot-3, 239-pound defender with notable upside.
When informed of the 49ers' pass-rush struggles, Height responded with confidence. 'Humbly, I will be able to help them with that,' he said."
Texas Tech players Lee Hunter (left) and Jacob Rodriguez (back) celebrate Romello Height's fumble recover against BYU during the Big 12 Conference championship football game. Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesWe typically don't look to third rounders to replace the production of elite veterans like San Francisco 49ers edge Nick Bosa. Certainly, we cannot expect that in his first season with the team. What we can expect is a hardworking and passionate player who will do his best to improve the team. In that sense, you can expect the Texas Tech edge to make an impact right away.
There is a chance that Height comes in and challenges for a starting job. The eye test displays his athletic potential. The film shows his production.
It's unclear what role Height will play when the team takes the field in September, but there is a good chance he improves the pass rush for the 2026 season.