Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor was in Lubbock, Texas on Thursday for Texas Tech’s Pro Day, according to Cowboys beat reporter Joseph Hoyt. Taylor was one of four head coaches in attendance, along with Brian Schottenheimer, Kellen Moore, and Aaron Glenn.
The Aggies boast several defensive prospects that are predicted to be selected in the first three rounds of April’s upcoming draft, including edge rusher David Bailey, who is likely to be the first pass rusher off the board. In most mock drafts, he’s taken ahead of the No. 10 overall pick, when the Bengals go on the clock.
There’s also defensive tackle Lee Hunter. He has the potential to be an early-down space eater at nose tackle. He projects to be a Day 2 pick, likely in the second round.
There’s also linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, as well as edge rusher Romello Height. Rodriguez, another projected Day 2 pick, was massively productive for Texas Tech’s defense after initially entering college as an offensive player. Considering the Bengals’ struggles at the linebacker position last year, adding to that room could help.
Height is undersized for the NFL, at least for now, but he’s a relentless and athletic pass rusher. He needs time to polish, but he could potentially add talent to a room already dripping with it.
Other notable Aggies heading into the NFL, possibly via the draft, are wide receiver Reggie Virgil, safety Cole Wisniewski, defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard, and wide receiver Caleb Douglas. There are also a handful of players who could sign as undrafted free agents.
It’s likely Taylor had his eye on everyone, but the defensive side of the ball cannot hold back the offense anymore. Considering the talented defenders coming out of Texas Tech, it’s likely Taylor had his eyes on Bailey, Hunter, Rodriguez, and Height.
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