NFL
Steelers Named One Of Biggest Winners From NFL Draft Day Two
Pittsburgh Steelers Named Major Winners of NFL Draft Day Two
Yahoo Sports1 min read
Sports
Grading the Dolphins pick of Jacob Rodriguez in the 2026 NFL Draft
TL;DR
The Miami Dolphins selected linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with the 43rd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after addressing other needs in the first round. Rodriguez, known for his toughness and playmaking ability, recorded impressive stats in college, making him a valuable addition to the Dolphins' defense.
Key points
- Dolphins selected Jacob Rodriguez with pick No. 43
- Rodriguez recorded 140 solo tackles and 21.5 tackles for loss in college
- Dolphins ranked 24th in points allowed last season
- Rodriguez is known for his toughness and playmaking ability
- Comparison made to linebacker Jack Campbell
Jacob RodriguezJack CampbellMiami DolphinsDetroit Lions
After taking Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor and San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson in the first round, the Miami Dolphins got a value pick in the second round when they took Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez.
With pick No. 43, the Dolphins selected the defensive playmaker. This is the type of young player you want to add to a defense that's looking to build after being 24th in points allowed this past season.
Rodriguez plays with toughness and emotion when he's on the field. His crushing tackles and high playmaking ability are reminiscent of Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell.
In his past two seasons since becoming a full-time linebacker, Jacob dominated the stat sheet, posting 140 solo tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, six sacks and five interceptions. These numbers are undeniable and show why Rodriguez was one of the best players in college football.
In 2025, Rodriguez was named the Big-12 Defensive Player of the Year, and took home the Lombardi Award, Butkus Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award.
One of the things analysts have raised concerns about regarding Rodriguez's game is that he can get out of place chasing the big play. This is something Rodriguez can fix as he grows more into the position and matures in the NFL. It's also one of those things where it can look great on tape when his instincts are right or leave a huge gap when he guesses wrong.
With the Dolphins still a developing team, Rodriguez will have the opportunity to learn from his mistakes. This was a "gimme" pick for Miami and a major help to one of the bottom defenses in the 2025 regular season.
Q&A
What were Jacob Rodriguez's college stats before being drafted?
Jacob Rodriguez posted 140 solo tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and five interceptions in his last two seasons.
Why did the Miami Dolphins select Jacob Rodriguez in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Dolphins selected Rodriguez to strengthen their defense, which ranked 24th in points allowed last season, and to add a young playmaker to their roster.
How does Jacob Rodriguez compare to other linebackers in the draft?
Rodriguez is noted for his toughness and emotional play, drawing comparisons to Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell, highlighting his potential impact on the field.