The Miami Dolphins selected linebacker Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech with the 43rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. His selection has received praise for his active playstyle and ability to force turnovers.
Key points
Miami Dolphins selected Jacob Rodriguez in the 2026 NFL Draft
Rodriguez was picked 43rd overall
He plays linebacker and previously was a quarterback
Dolphins passed on Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Zion Young
Among the players the Dolphins passed on in Round 2 were safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren of Toledo and Missouri edge rusher Zion Young.
Rodriguez is a very active player who forces turnovers. He began his career at Texas Tech as a quarterback.
Rodriguez is not Zach Thomas, but he plays with his hair on fire, just like the Dolphins legend from Texas Tech.
Jacob Rodriguez stands with Joey and Debbie McGuire during Texas Tech's senior day ceremony before a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Jacob Rodriguez lifts the trophy after Texas Tech defeated BYU in the Big 12 Conference championship game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez shares a kiss with his wife Emma prior to the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Q&A
Who did the Miami Dolphins select in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Miami Dolphins selected linebacker Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech with the 43rd overall pick.
What position does Jacob Rodriguez play?
Jacob Rodriguez plays as a linebacker.
Which players were passed on by the Dolphins in Round 2?
The Dolphins passed on safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren from Toledo and edge rusher Zion Young from Missouri.
What is notable about Jacob Rodriguez's playing style?
Jacob Rodriguez is known for being very active and forcing turnovers, reminiscent of Dolphins legend Zach Thomas.
Related Articles
NFL
Instant analysis of Dolphins taking TE Will Kacmarek in NFL draft
Miami Dolphins select tight end Will Kacmarek in the 2026 NFL draft.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
Grading the selection of LB Josiah Trotter by the Bucs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers select LB Josiah Trotter in the 2026 NFL Draft. Graded B-.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
Dolphins instant draft grades: Will Kacmarek picked in third round
The Dolphins have drafted tight end Will Kacmarek from Ohio State in the third round.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
2026 NFL Draft: Panthers select speedy Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell II
Panthers select speedy WR Chris Brazzell II from Tennessee in 2026 NFL Draft
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Rockies 4, Mets 3: Surviving strikeouts and finishing with authority
Rockies secure a 4-3 victory over the Mets with solid pitching and key hits.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Eagles’ Jonathan Greenard trade was long in the works
Eagles' trade for Jonathan Greenard was in the works before draft night
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez celebrates an interception against UCF during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Dec 6, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) gets into position during the game between the Red Raiders and the Cougars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez makes the tackle against BYU during the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez gets up after making a tackle against BYU during the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Texas Tech players Jacob Rodriguez and Behren Morton hype each other up during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (LB21) runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (LB21) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (LB21) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jacob Rodriguez walks the field before the Texas Tech football team's spring game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
1 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Jacob Rodriguez stands with Joey and Debbie McGuire during Texas Tech's senior day ceremony before a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
1 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Jacob Rodriguez stands with Joey and Debbie McGuire during Texas Tech's senior day ceremony before a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
2 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Jacob Rodriguez lifts the trophy after Texas Tech defeated BYU in the Big 12 Conference championship game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
3 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez shares a kiss with his wife Emma prior to the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
4 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez celebrates an interception against UCF during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
5 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Dec 6, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) gets into position during the game between the Red Raiders and the Cougars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
6 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez makes the tackle against BYU during the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
7 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez gets up after making a tackle against BYU during the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
8 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Texas Tech players Jacob Rodriguez and Behren Morton hype each other up during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
9 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (LB21) runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
10 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (LB21) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
11 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (LB21) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
12 / 12
Meet linebacker Jacob Rodriguez Dolphins' second-round NFL draft pick
Jacob Rodriguez walks the field before the Texas Tech football team's spring game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
The Dolphins say they view Rodriguez as a "flag-bearer."
Here is our instant grade on the Dolphins picking Jacob Rodriguez:
Rodriguez is an outstanding athlete and will help the Dolphins against the run. He would complement middle linebacker Jordyn Brooks, as a pair of tackling machines.
Both players attended Texas Tech University.
Rodriguez is a strong leader, is good in coverage.
He does have average size and can overrun some plays.
This is a hard worker with high-level intangibles.
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez asks for more crowd noise during the Big 12 Championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez asks for more crowd noise during the Big 12 Championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
He should be a solid player, one of those "doubles" that general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan entered this draft saying he wanted.
Unfortunately for Miami, wide receiver, edge rusher and safety are still all crying needs.
Still, Sullivan has said he does want to simply try to check boxes. This is a multi-year rebuild project.