Dolphins select Jacob Rodriguez: 4 things to know about Miami's new LB

The Miami Dolphins had to wait until pick No. 43 to make their third selection of the 2026 NFL draft, and they used that pick on Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez.

Rodriguez joins Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor and San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson in Miami's rookie class thus far.

Before Rodriguez joins the team in South Florida, let's introduce him to the fan base.

Measurables

Rodriguez is 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds. At the combine, he ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash with a 1.59-second 10-yard split. He also recorded a 38.5-inch vertical jump and 121-inch broad jump.

College Stats/Achievements

In his five seasons between Texas Tech and Virginia, Rodriguez recorded 317 tackles, 13 forced fumbles, 12 passes defensed, six sacks, six interceptions and five fumble recoveries.

This past year, he won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Butkus Award, the Lombardi Award, Chuck Bednarik Award and the Big-12 Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2025.

Mentor

During his introductory Zoom press conference, Rodriguez revealed his mentor is a familiar player to Dolphins fans, Hall of Famer Zach Thomas, who also played at Texas Tech before his time with Miami.

Expected Role

Heading into 2026, he'll be fighting Tyrel Dodson for a starting role. There's also a chance that Miami trades one of Dodson or Jordyn Brooks this offseason before the final year of their contracts. That would open up a spot for Rodriguez right away.

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