PITTSBURGH, Penn. (KCBD) – The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, and Texas Tech football made history with nine players drafted to play on the professional level. <\/p>\n
The Draft began Thursday as outside linebacker David Bailey was selected as the No. 2 overall pick<\/a>, taken by the New York Jets. This was the highest Tech player selected since wide receiver Dave Parks (who is now in the Ring of Honor) went as the top pick in 1964<\/p>\n On Day 2, Tech linebacker and national defensive player of the year Jacob Rodriguez was drafted in the second round<\/a> to the Miami Dolphins as the 43rd pick. The Dolphins have historically drafted other Red Raider greats such as Zach Thomas and Jakeem Grant. Defensive lineman Lee Hunter was off-the-board six picks later<\/a>, as he was selected to play for the Carolina Panthers and was the 49th pick overall.<\/p>\n More Red Raiders flew off the board in the third round on Friday. Linebacker Romello Height was picked up by the San Francisco 49ers<\/a> as the 70th pick. Wide Receiver Caleb Douglas<\/a> heard his name called five picks later, as he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins.<\/p>\n Day 3 was another busy day for the Tech alum. In the fifth round, Wide receiver Reggie Virgil was the first Red Raider to hear his name called Saturday<\/a> afternoon. He went to the Arizona Cardinals as the 143rd overall pick. In the following round, defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard was picked up by the Detroit Lions<\/a> as the 205th player selected.<\/p>\n In the seventh and final round, Tech quarterback Behren Morton was picked up by the New England Patriots<\/a> as the 234th pick, and safety Cole Wisniewski was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles<\/a> ten picks later.<\/p>\n