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The Miami Dolphins selected linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with the 43rd pick in the 2026 NFL draft. He was a standout in college, finishing fifth in Heisman voting and leading in forced fumbles.
The Miami Dolphins selected a popular commodity in linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with pick No. 43 in the 2026 NFL draft. Rodriguez finished fifth in voting for the Heisman trophy in 2025, the highest of any defensive player in college football.
Rodriguez can simply do it all as a linebacker. In 2025, he totaled 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four interceptions and forced a FBS-leading seven forced fumbles. His ability to punch the ball out will bring turnover opportunities for the Miami defense. Rodriguez can make plays all over the field against both the run and pass.
Despite being one of the best defensive players in college football over the last two years, Rodriguez was not viewed as a first-round pick, largely because of his measurables. His 6-foot-1, 231-pound frame is considered small for linebackers at the pro level. The football skills are undeniable, but will he be able to keep up his production in the NFL?
In Miami, Rodriguez will have an opportunity to play with and learn from first-team All-Pro Jordyn Brooks, who led the NFL with 183 tackles a season ago. The addition of Rodriguez is an exciting one for Dolphin fans, especially if he and Brooks can establish a dynamic linebacker duo
Here is a highlight reel of Rodriguez's spectacular 2025 season.
More Dolphins: Dolphins 2026 NFL Draft tracker: Pick-by-pick analysis
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Check out new Dolphins LB Jacob Rodriguez's college highlights
In 2025, Jacob Rodriguez recorded 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four interceptions, and seven forced fumbles.
Despite his impressive college performance, Rodriguez was not considered a first-round pick mainly due to his smaller frame of 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds, which is seen as small for an NFL linebacker.
Jacob Rodriguez will have the opportunity to play alongside first-team All-Pro Jordyn Brooks, who led the NFL with 183 tackles last season.
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