Romello Height taken by San Francisco 49ers in NFL draft: Grade, analysis

The San Francisco 49ers selected versatile Texas Tech defensive edge Romello Height, who can also line up at outside linebacker, with the No. 70 overall pick in third round of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 24.

The Niners received the No. 70 pick along with the No. 107 pick from the Browns in exchange for the Nos. 58 and 152 picks. Height was named to the All-Big 12 team in his senior season in 2025. Height provides San Francisco some help on the edge, a position it has looked to address.

Height stands 6-foot-3 and 240-pounds. He tallied 37 tackles including 10.5 for loss of yards in 2025. He racked up 9.5 sacks in 13 games during the 2025 season, including two forced fumbles.

Here's how USA TODAY Sports grades the 49ers third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft:

Celebrities and former players took the stage to announce picks during the 2026 NFL Draft.

See the familiar faces who helped deliver selections across draft weekend.

Above, Former Detroit Lions Calvin Johnson speaks during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Mark Ingram II poses on stage during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Pat McAfee speaks on stage during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Joe Haden speaks during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Jimbo Covert walks on stage during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Former Buffalo Bills Shane Conlan speaks during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Dwight Stephenson walks on stage during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Matt Millen speaks during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Curtis Martin walks on stage during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (center) with former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Lynn Swann (left) and running back Jerome Bettis during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.

1 / 10

See celebrities and former players announce the 2026 NFL Draft picks

Celebrities and former players took the stage to announce picks during the 2026 NFL Draft.

See the familiar faces who helped deliver selections across draft weekend.

Above, Former Detroit Lions Calvin Johnson speaks during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

1 / 10

See celebrities and former players announce the 2026 NFL Draft picks

Celebrities and former players took the stage to announce picks during the 2026 NFL Draft.

See the familiar faces who helped deliver selections across draft weekend.

Above, Former Detroit Lions Calvin Johnson speaks during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

2 / 10

See celebrities and former players announce the 2026 NFL Draft picks

Mark Ingram II poses on stage during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

3 / 10

See celebrities and former players announce the 2026 NFL Draft picks

Pat McAfee speaks on stage during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

4 / 10

See celebrities and former players announce the 2026 NFL Draft picks

Joe Haden speaks during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

5 / 10

See celebrities and former players announce the 2026 NFL Draft picks

Jimbo Covert walks on stage during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

6 / 10

See celebrities and former players announce the 2026 NFL Draft picks

Former Buffalo Bills Shane Conlan speaks during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

7 / 10

See celebrities and former players announce the 2026 NFL Draft picks

Dwight Stephenson walks on stage during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

8 / 10

See celebrities and former players announce the 2026 NFL Draft picks

Matt Millen speaks during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

9 / 10

See celebrities and former players announce the 2026 NFL Draft picks

Curtis Martin walks on stage during Round Two of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

10 / 10

See celebrities and former players announce the 2026 NFL Draft picks

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (center) with former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Lynn Swann (left) and running back Jerome Bettis during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.

San Francisco 49ers No. 70 overall draft pick grade for Romello Height

The grade: B-minus
Why? With Robert Saleh gone, the 49ers add a different flavor to their pass rush. Height can be all-or-nothing with his approach, but he'll add a spark to a unit that's counting on Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams to lead the way in their returns from torn ACLs. - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Experts on San Francisco 49ers No. 70 selection: Romello Height

"Older prospect who transferred to Texas Tech in 2025 and produced. Among FBS leaders in pressures (62) and sacks (nine). Explosive rusher off the line with active hands and ideal motor. Good bend to get around blockers. Needs to either bulk up to handle NFL strength or use his arms better." - Ayrton Ostly
"He had 10 sacks operating opposite David Bailey last season and joins a defense that likes to deploy pass rushers in waves. At 6-foot-3 and 239 pounds, he's going to be a detriment in the run game until he gets stronger." - Nate Davis
"Romello Height was something of an underachiever with only 6.5 sacks over five seasons at Auburn, Southern Cal and Georgia Tech. Texas Tech turned the tools into production as Height delivered 9.5 sacks for the Big 12 champions. He and David Bailey terrorized QBs, pinching the pocket from opposite edges. Having just turned 25 in mid-April might have hurt Height's draft stock." - USA TODAY Network