By filling a handful of needs through free agency and a trade, the Pittsburgh Steelers have allowed themselves some flexibility early in next month's 2026 NFL Draft. With inside linebacker Patrick Queen heading into the final year of his contract, Mike McCarthy's team hosted a potential replacement, Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez, for a pre-draft visit on Friday.
Rodriguez won the Chuck Bednarik Award, Butkus Award, Lombardi Trophy and Bronko Nagurski Trophy last season. Rodriguez is the only FBS player since 2005 to total 300 tackles, 10 forced fumbles, five interceptions and five fumble recoveries during his collegiate career.
"Rodriguez arrived in college as an offensive 'athlete' and leaves Texas Tech as a bigger-than-life, stat-stuffing linebacker," NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in a scouting report. "He's uniquely productive, with elite tackle, interceptions and forced fumble production. … 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."
Zierlein compares Rodriguez to Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger and believes he "projects a long-term starting inside linebacker."
Rodriguez piled up 128 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss, a sack, seven forced fumbles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries last season. He doesn't pigeonhole himself into one spot in the middle of the defense.
"I think I can play any position they need me to play," Rodriguez said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "I can play Sam out in space, I can play the Mike and wear the green dot, I can play the Will. I can play any position they want from me and I think I'm very much capable of doing anything."
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Host Offensive Nightmare LB for Pre-Draft Visit
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