The 2026 Texas Tech NFL draft class carries a level of anticipation that has never been associated with the program. Joey McGuire’s historic2025 season has produced multiple players who can anticipate hearing their name called by Roger Goodell. Additionally, a few other Red Raiders should feel confident that their names will be called before the weekend is over. Last Word is going to take a look at where all Red Raiders could land in our 2026 Texas Tech NFL draft preview.
2026 Texas Tech NFL Draft Preview
Historic Draft Ahead?
With plenty of headlining names in the draft, this 2026 Texas Tech NFL draft selection could set new historical records for the program. The school record is six, set in 1956. The draft was 30 rounds back then. What is most known as the Modern draft era, with seven rounds, began in 1994. Since then, the most Red Raiders taken in one draft were four in 2009. Two-time Biletnikoff winner Michael Crabtree headlined the 2009 class. The headliner in the 2026 Texas Tech draft class is EDGE David Bailey. He is currently projected to go anywhere in the top 10 of the draft on Thursday night. Many, including Last Word, believe Bailey will be the second name called in the draft.
The next most likely player to hear his name called is linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. His instincts are rooted in his days as a quarterback before switching to linebacker. These helped him develop into college football’s most decorated defender from the 2025 season. Rodriquez should expect to hear his name early in the second round. Another player expected to go in the second round is defensive lineman Lee Hunter. The immovable force will be a great anchor to any defensive line.
First Player Outside Of “The Big 3” To Be Drafted?
The draft location of those three players should hardly come as a shock to anyone who watched Texas Tech this past season. But after those three, the later rounds of the draft will be where the record-setting takes place. The most likely name to go after those three will be Romello Height. Bailey received plenty of well-earned publicity for his play. But Height was just as much of a disruptor in rushing the passer opposite Bailey. He should plan on seeing his name on the screen in the third round. For anyone who has followed the Texas Tech program for some time, it is still wild to see four defensive players drafted. These draftees will be expected to be more than just contributors. But players are earning second- and even third-contract offers in the NFL.
Don’t Forget About The Offense
After the run on defense, the 2026 Texas Tech NFL draft candidates shift back to the offensive side of the ball. It is a pair of wide receivers that are likely to go anywhere between the fifth and seventh rounds. They are Reggie Virgil and Caleb Douglas. Assuming LWOS bats 1.000 on those predictions, they will tie the all-time record. Additionally, the Red Raiders will surpass the modern-day record of players taken in a single draft class. But there are a few wild cards that could be scooped up in the final round.
Defensive Lineman Skyler Gill-Howard is the most intriguing. He was having a banner season in 2025 until he suffered a season-ending injury midway through the year. Safety Cole Wisniewski could also be a late-round flyer for teams. Finally, quarterback Behren Morton has the physical tools to make it in the NFL. Morton’s legacy at Texas Tech is complicated, but his toughness and enough flashes on film could be enough to elevate him above undrafted free agent status.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Texas Tech NFL Draft class, barring surprises, will set a new modern-day record and potentially a record of draftees. It is a great indication of the quality of the team that the Red Raiders fielded in the 2025 season. These types of draft results will only strengthen their pitch to transfers and high school recruits. It will be an interesting look back in two seasons to see just how many players from that ’25 team heard their name called by the NFL commissioner during the draft.
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