SANTA CLARA, Calif. ― When the San Francisco 49ers selected versatile Texas Tech defensive edge Romello Height with the No. 70 overall pick in third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, they were getting someone who can line up in different positions on defense.
Height, who goes by “Mello” or “Smooth,” was able to get out on the field and test out his capabilities against some of the best offensive linemen the league has to offer in Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz. And Height is readily embracing the challenge and opportunity to get better.
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“I just been you know trying to be where my feet are and just you know take it day by day and you know continue to stack reps against guys like Trent, McKivitz, and you know, just continuously try to get better by the day, rep by rep,” Height told USA TODAY.
That’s what the training camp is for, especially for rookies. Learn. Ask questions. Make mistakes. Refine skillsets. Grow, as a player. Height has been getting the experience he needs to succeed and earn some preseason reps next week and potentially regular season reps come September.
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New England Patriots quarterback Behren Morton (15) does a passing drill with running back Jam Miller (30) during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28.
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New England Patriots quarterback Behren Morton (15) does a passing drill with running back Jam Miller (30) during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28.
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New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) works with a member of the coaching staff during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28.
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New England Patriots safety Peter Manuma does a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28.
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy works out during training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility on July 27 in Santa Clara, California.
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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey works out during training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, California, on July 27.
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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford throws the ball during training camp workouts at Loyola Marymount University on July 27.
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Myles Garrett of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during the training camp workouts at Loyola Marymount University on July 27.
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Running back Jeremiyah Love – the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft – carries the ball during Arizona Cardinals training camp on July 26.
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Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson participates in a team practice at State Farm Stadium on July 26 in Glendale, Arizona.
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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) practices during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 26.
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Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (72) works out during the first day of training camp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Washington, on July 25.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) goes through drills during the first day of training camp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Washington, on July 25.
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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes walks toward the practice field at Missouri Western State University on July 25 in St Joseph, Missouri.
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He’s getting acclimated nicely. Confident in his ability, but more important the works he’s put in to get to this level. Height said his first rep at practice wasn’t nerve-wrecking or anything of the sort. It was more deja vu, like he’s been here before.
“My first rep out there, it wasn’t really like a big thing to me,” Height told USA TODAY. “It was like I already been in this position.”
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It wasn’t until he went against Williams that he realized this was the next level. But he quickly refocused and got back to his tools, honing his craft.
“Being able to go against guys like Trent. Of course, we didn’t have them pads or anything, but man, just lining up in front of guys like him and taking my first rep against a guy like him was a big deal,” Height told USA TODAY. “It was kind of, you know, like shocking. But then you know I had to put my finger in the dirt and you know get off the ball.”
Height stands 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds. He tallied 37 tackles including 10.5 for loss of yards in 2025 at Texas Tech. He racked up 9.5 sacks including two forced fumbles in 13 games. His play earned him an All-Big 12 team selection in his senior season.
The 25-year-old looks to provide an edge presence on San Francisco’s defensive line, an area that the team has needed to address having dealt with injuries to players like Nick Bosa. He will be competing for snaps with Sam Okuayinonu and Gracen Halton. Mykel Williams is the Niners’ starting right edge, Bosa is on the left. Height is currently on the second string, behind Williams, according to the team depth chart. .
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: 49ers rookie Romello Height embraces Trent Williams, McKivitz matchups
