Full Breakdown
Texas Tech Pro Day Showcases NFL Draft Prospects
3/27/2026, 6:32:35 AM
Key Highlights from Texas Tech Pro Day
On March 26, 2026, Texas Tech University hosted its Pro Day, attracting scouts and coaches from all 32 NFL teams. The event was significant for the Red Raiders as they showcased their top defensive talents ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft. Notable attendees included Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a Texas Tech alum. The Cowboys' contingent also featured defensive coordinator Christian Parker and VP of player personnel Will McClay, emphasizing Dallas's focus on bolstering its defense.
Prominent Prospects
The Pro Day highlighted several key players, particularly on defense. Outside linebacker David Bailey, projected as a top-five pick, led the group with an impressive performance, including 14.5 sacks in the previous season. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who garnered attention for his turnover-generating abilities, and outside linebacker Romello Height, expected to be drafted in the top three rounds, also showcased their skills. Defensive tackle Lee Hunter and linebacker Bryce Ramirez, who excelled in athletic testing, further solidified Texas Tech's reputation for producing NFL-ready talent.
Ramirez recorded a 38.5-inch vertical leap, 31 bench press reps, and a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, while safety Cole Wisniewski impressed with a 36.5-inch vertical and 20 bench press reps. Wide receiver Brady Boyd, a Dallas native, clocked an unofficial 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash, demonstrating his speed and agility.
Official Statements & Responses
Jacob Rodriguez expressed pride in his teammates' performances, stating, "I was more happy about all those other guys... It was nice to have more than 100 NFL staff, personnel out here." He emphasized the importance of turnovers in winning games, noting, "That's a huge difference in winning football games is winning the turnover battle." Skyler Gill-Howard, returning from injury, remarked, "Pro Day was amazing... I think I performed above average being five months post-surgery."
Criticism & Opposition
While the Pro Day was largely viewed as a success, some analysts questioned whether the Cowboys could effectively utilize their draft picks to secure the right defensive talent. Concerns were raised about the potential cost of acquiring players like Rodriguez, who may be off the board before the Cowboys' 20th pick.
What's Next
As the NFL Draft approaches, the Cowboys will continue their evaluation process, including upcoming 30 visits where they will meet with draft prospects. The insights gained from the Texas Tech Pro Day will play a crucial role in shaping their draft strategy, particularly in addressing their defensive needs.
In summary, Texas Tech's Pro Day served as a pivotal platform for showcasing the skills of its players, with several prospects likely to make an impact in the NFL. The event not only highlighted individual performances but also underscored the collaborative efforts of the coaching staff and the excitement surrounding the upcoming draft.
