Patrick Mahomes’ Texas Tech Red Raiders are big winners at 2026 Senior Bowl so far — and Kansas City Chiefs should take notice

The Kansas City Chiefs could look to Patrick Mahomes’ alma mater to find some help in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor
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Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach could seek to add players from Patrick Mahomes’ alma mater in the 2026 NFL Draft. Through two days of practice at the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, Texas Tech has seen its players establish themselves as some of the biggest standouts in this draft class, and Veach has been in attendance to see it firsthand. With one more day of open practices on Thursday ahead of the game on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. CT, all five Red Raiders in attendance have already made a massive impact for the National Team.

Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter is among the biggest risers at the Senior Bowl thus far

One of the biggest winners of the Senior Bowl thus far is Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter, who has looked every bit a first-round draft pick in individual work and team drills. Watching Hunter go through the bag drills is a thing of beauty because he doesn’t move like a 6-foot-3, 320-pound defensive tackle. He moves like a 6-foot-3, 250-pound linebacker, which is one of the most intimidating things you’ll ever see.

On Day 1, his power and explosiveness were far too much for any offensive lineman to handle. He was splitting double teams as a pass-rusher and run defender. He was allowing absolutely no movement in the run game. It was causing some serious problems for the National Team offense at times. On Day 2, his presence improved the performance of everyone around him, with multiple sacks he either contributed to or caused directly.

Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez puts on a clinic during the first two days of practice

Rodriguez was a playmaker at Texas Tech and continues to prove it at the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 233 pounds, he clocked the fastest speed among linebackers on Day 1 at 18.73 MPH. That was just the start for Rodriguez, though.

During 1-on-1 drills on Day 2, he put on an absolute clinic in pass coverage, breaking up multiple passes. He was even better during team drills, helping force a fumble with Oregon’s Bryce Boettcher by using Charles Tillman’s “Peanut Punch.” To put a cap on an already great two days of practice, Rodriguez notched an interception across the middle of the field on an errant throw from Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson, forced by Western Michigan’s Nadame Tucker.

Texas Tech’s Caleb Douglas and Reggie Virgil are standing out in a crowded wide receiver class

This is a really, really good wide receiver class, and Texas Tech’s Caleb Douglas and Reggie Virgil are both flying a bit under the radar.

On Day 1 of practices, the 6-foot-3 and 198-pound Douglas was a clear standout. He was one of the most physical receivers in practice, fighting through contact with relative ease. He made one of the best catches of the day during 11-on-11 team drills. NDSU’s Cole Payton heaved a deep shot to him on a bootleg, and he caught the pass despite double coverage from San Diego State Chris Johnson and TCU’s Bud Clark.

On Day 2, Virgil had his time to shine. In 1-on-1 drills against UNC CB Thad Dixon, Virgil sold his release to the inside before cutting to the outside to get wide open for a touchdown. Later in team drills, Virgil caught a hitch against Dixon and was able to loop it outside and upfield for a big gain. Had it been live contact, Dixon might’ve had a chance at it, but the 6-foot-2 and 188-pound Virgil definitely posed a problem for him.

Keep in mind that both Douglas and Virgil are coached by Chiefs assistant QB coach Dan Williams, who is coaching the National Team’s wide receivers.

Texas Tech’s Romello Height is one of the most intriguing evaluations of the draft class

While Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey is projected as a top-15 pick in this class, his pass-rushing partner is one of the most intriguing evaluations of the class. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 234 pounds, he’s extremely light for an NFL edge rusher. He had some notable quick wins rushing the passer in the first two days of practice, showing strong hands to disengage and work both inside and outside the offensive tackle.

“That’s definitely one of my strengths,” Height told A to Z Sports’ Travis May. “That’s the key. You’ve got to have good hands when playing this game of football. So, I try to make sure I have good hands going up against, especially these guys; there are some good guys out here, so hands are critical.”

Height and Bailey were essentially the deadliest pass-rushing duo in college football this season, combining for 22.5 sacks and 137 pressures. Height says the pair got there through combined hard work and determination.

“That’s what we did,” Height said. “We kept our heads down and just stayed at it. Stayed in the training room. Lived in the facility. And we put in work together, man, and it paid off.”

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