Instant analysis on the Dolphins drafting LB Jacob Rodriguez

TL;DR

The Miami Dolphins selected linebacker Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech with the 43rd pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Rodriguez, a standout player named Big-12 Defensive Player of the Year, is expected to make an impact on the Dolphins' defense this season.

Key points

Dolphins drafted Jacob Rodriguez with the 43rd pick in 2026 NFL draft
Rodriguez was named Big-12 Defensive Player of the Year
He had 128 tackles and led FBS with seven forced fumbles in 2025
Rodriguez joins a linebacker group with All-Pro Jordyn Brooks
He has a chance to impact the Dolphins' defense this season

Miami DolphinsTexas Tech Red RaidersJacob RodriguezJordyn Brooks

The Miami Dolphins selected Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with pick No. 43 in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft. Although linebacker was not the most immediate need for the Dolphins, Rodriguez has an extremely high ceiling as a second-round pick and will have a chance to impact the Miami defense this upcoming season.

Rodriguez is coming off a spectacular 2025 season in which he was named the Big-12 Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American. He has been one of the best defensive players in college football over the last two seasons, being named first team All-Big 12 in both 2024 and 2025.

Rodriguez started all 14 games for the Red Raiders last season, totaling 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and a sack. He was also a force in creating turnovers with four interceptions and an FBS-leading seven forced fumbles. He finished in fifth place in voting for the Heisman Trophy.

Rodriguez joins a Miami linebacker group that features 2025 All-Pro Jordyn Brooks, who led the league with 183 tackles a season ago. This group also features veterans like Tyrel Dodson and Willie Gay Jr. Rodriguez will be able to learn from the valuable experience this group has to offer.

This is an extremely exciting pick for the Dolphins, one that will draw headlines leading up to training camp. Rodriguez has the potential to be a great player in Miami for a long time if he can tune his skills and physicality up to the NFL level.

More Dolphins: Dolphins 2026 NFL Draft tracker: Pick-by-pick analysis

Q&A

What are Jacob Rodriguez's college football achievements?

Jacob Rodriguez was named the Big-12 Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American, and he was a first team All-Big 12 selection in both 2024 and 2025.

How did Jacob Rodriguez perform in his final college season?

In his final season, Rodriguez totaled 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions, and led the FBS with seven forced fumbles.

Who are the key linebackers on the Miami Dolphins roster?

The Dolphins' linebacker group includes All-Pro Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, and Willie Gay Jr., providing a strong environment for Jacob Rodriguez to develop.