Colts Double Down on Texas Tech Prospects in 3-Round Mock Draft

Indianapolis lands two former Red Raiders teammates to bolster defense on Day 2.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a football game or match, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of red, black, and white.The Colts' strategic draft picks of two former Texas Tech defensive standouts aim to reshape their front seven.Arlington Today

In a new three-round mock draft, the Indianapolis Colts select linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and edge rusher Romello Height from Texas Tech to address key defensive needs. Rodriguez, the 2025 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and Height, an elite pass rusher, played together at Texas Tech and could provide an immediate impact for the Colts' revamped defense.

Why it matters

The Colts have moved on from several defensive starters this offseason, creating holes that need to be filled through the draft. Pairing Rodriguez and Height, who have proven chemistry, could give the Colts a formidable young duo to build around on that side of the ball.

The details

With no first-round pick, the Colts use their second-round selection (No. 47 overall) on Rodriguez, a finalist for the 2025 Heisman Trophy who earned a 93.3 overall grade from PFF. In the third round (No. 78), they take Height, a dominant pass rusher who had a 92.9 overall grade in 2025. While Height has some limitations against the run, he provides an immediate boost to the Colts' pass rush.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is just weeks away.
  • The Colts have made several defensive roster moves this offseason, including trading away key starters.

The players

Jacob Rodriguez

A linebacker from Texas Tech who was the 2025 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American. He finished the 2025 season with 128 total tackles, 1 sack, 6 passes defended, 7 forced fumbles, and 4 interceptions.

Romello Height

An edge rusher from Texas Tech who earned a 92.9 overall grade from PFF in 2025, the highest among all edge rushers. He finished the 2025 season with 38 total tackles, 10 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Colts will look to address any remaining defensive needs in the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

By pairing Rodriguez and Height, two former Texas Tech teammates, the Colts are able to address key defensive needs on Day 2 of the draft. This strategic double dip could provide an immediate boost to their revamped defense.