Story by
Dolphins GM is effusive in praise of exciting defensive rookie
- Story by
- Dolphins GM is effusive in praise of exciting defensive rookie
After two selections in the first round, the Miami Dolphins took Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with pick No. 43 overall, their first pick of four on day 2.
Rodriguez was viewed as one of the best linebackers in the 2026 NFL draft and a future signal-caller on the defense. In the second round, the Dolphins may have gotten an LB1 for years to come.
Advertisement
The second-round pick had an outstanding 2025 season with the Red Raiders, finishing with 122 total tackles (63 solo and 59 assists), along with one sack, 11 tackles for loss, four interceptions, seven forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. His performance made him one of the most disruptive defensive players in the country, as he consistently created turnovers and made plays all over the field.
Rodriguez's impact earned him major honors, including Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, unanimous All-American recognition, and national awards such as the Butkus Award and Bruno Nagurski Trophy, highlighting his reputation as one of the top linebackers in college football.
He's an impressive player on the field, but general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is even more impressed by the person he is.
"I can't say enough good things about Jacob, and I think more importantly, the people that have been around him for the time that they have at Texas Tech and the things they say about him not only as a football player and the intangibles, but the type of person he is – the tape speaks for itself, he's all over the field," Sullivan said. "He makes plays everywhere. His instincts are second to none. He can play in space, on third downs and he's going to help this football team. But he's a leader. He's a green dot guy. He'll call the defense in time, and I think he'll fit really well in the room with (Jordyn) Brooks and 'T. Dot' ( Tyrel Dodson ) and he'd be a great addition to the Miami Dolphins ."
Advertisement
Going into a linebacker room with Brooks and Dodson can only improve the football IQ of Rodriguez, who is still learning the position.
Initially being recruited as a quarterback, Rodriguez has just two seasons as a full-time linebacker.
Rodriguez's best football is still ahead of him, as he's only improved ever since he transitioned to the position. Not only does he carry great character and leadership, years from now, Rodriguez could develop into a Fred Warner type X-Factor, and this pick will be remembered for ages.
More Dolphins: Meet Will Kacmarek: The Dolphins' newest weapon in the run game
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins GM is effusive in praise of exciting defensive rookie
