The Los Angeles Rams are considering linebacker Jacob Rodriguez as a strong fit for their defense in the 2026 NFL Draft after his impressive performance at Texas Tech. Rodriguez showcased elite tackle and interception skills, making him a valuable prospect for the Rams.
The Los Angeles Rams do not have many needs to address in the 2026 NFL Draft but one option is quickly becoming an apparent fit for the franchise. After a stellar 2025 campaign, where he led Texas Tech to its greatest season in school history, linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is attempting to make a massive jump in the NFL.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote extensively about Rodriguez's abilities. Here's part of his scouting report:
Rodriguez arrived in college as an offensive “athlete” and leaves Texas Tech as a bigger-than-life, stat-stuffing linebacker. He’s uniquely productive, with elite tackle, interception and forced fumble production," wrote Zierlein. "He’ll occasionally bounce out of a run fit when chasing action, but he has the burst to race back inside and finish. He’s slippery working off blocks and navigating combo climbers.
His lateral pursuit leaves the station on time and with a fast take-off. Rodriguez displays ballhawking instincts and outstanding hands but busted coverages were part of the package in 2025. His unbridled urgency and “make every play” mindset can inflate missed tackle totals, but the production should outweigh the occasional headaches. He projects as a long-term starting inside linebacker.
As Zierlein mentioned, Rodriguez was all over the place, and he had to be as a member of the Texas Tech defense. With the Rams, Rodriguez would be allowed to play his game. He's outstanding in coverage, extremely athletic, and unlike Ohio State's Sonny Styles, the Rams will have several chances to go get him in the draft.
Rodriguez immediately answers the big question at coverage linebacker; he would allow Omar Speights and Nate Landman to return to their natural roles playing downhill, and Rodriguez's propensity to force a turnover is a culture fit for the position room.
However, the big key is his athleticism. He would allow Chris Shula to draw up exotic defensive looks, especially against the pass. The Seattle Seahawks won a Super Bowl with a consistent offense and a defense full of versatile weapons. Rodriguez would help the Rams maintain an early lead in the 2026 arms race.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL draft: Jacob Rodriguez would be perfect piece for LA Rams
Jacob Rodriguez led Texas Tech to its best season in school history in 2025 and demonstrated elite tackle, interception, and forced fumble production.
Rodriguez's ballhawking instincts, quick lateral pursuit, and ability to navigate blocks make him a potential long-term starting inside linebacker for the Rams.
While the Rams have few needs to address, linebacker is emerging as a key position, making Rodriguez a fitting prospect for their defense.
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