Broncos get bad advice about player to avoid in 2026 NFL Draft

Vance Joseph's defense calls for versatile inside linebackers who can both cover and be effective blitzers. Rodriguez has good coverage skills, but there are legitimate concerns about his size and arm length.

The Texas Tech 'backer has 11th percentile arm length and it shows up in his ability to take on blocks. Its a concern that B/R scout Matt Holder brought up in his scouting report:

"Combination of arm length and below-average strength limits his extension and leads to him getting stuck on blocks from offensive linemen."

Rodriguez was an incredibly productive collegiate linebacker, but his subpar size and play strength make him a questionable fit for a Denver team that doesn't have the capital to take risks on outliers."

Should the Broncos remove Jacob Rodriguez from their draft board?

It seems like this would be a bad move. However, it would be a surprise if the Broncos even have a chance to get Rodriguez, as there is an above-average chance that he will be off the board well before the No. 62 pick. However, if he is still available, the Broncos would have to strongly consider taking him.

In Denver, Rodriguez would not need to come in and be a Week 1 starter. He could learn behind two long-term veterans in Singleton and Strnad, who are quite familiar with what Vance Joseph expects.

Though there is a concern over him being pushed around at the professional level, it doesn't outweigh his ability to make tackles and drop back into coverage. Rodriguez's skills in coverage aren't just those of a player willing to give the effort; he has elite coverage skills, and that is something the Broncos have been sorely lacking at the inside linebacker spot for years.

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Instead of looking to avoid this player, the Broncos should snag him quickly should he fall to them.

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