Holmes Jr. played with three 2026 NFL Draft Picks at Texas Tech

AJ Holmes Jr., a defensive tackle at Texas Tech, played alongside three players who were selected in the early rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, underscoring the depth of talent on the Red Raiders’ defensive line. During Big 12 Media Days at The Star in Frisco, Texas, last week, Holmes was identified as one of the higher-rated prospects in attendance. The article says Holmes played with edge rusher David Bailey, taken second overall by the New York Jets; nose tackle Lee Hunter, selected 49th overall in the second round by the Carolina Panthers; and defensive end Romello Height, picked 70th overall in the third round by the San Francisco 49ers. Holmes himself is projected for 2027 in the early-to-mid second round, and he is listed at 6-foot-3, 300 pounds.