2026 NFL Draft Prospect Profile - LB Jacob Rodriguez

Player Description

Name: Jacob Rodriguez

School: Texas Tech

Position: Linebacker (Off-ball)

Class: Senior

Height: 6'1

Weight: 233 lbs

Draft Projection: Late Day 1 to Mid Day 2

Strengths:

• Natural-born leader

• Fundamentally sound, technically refined football player

• Physical, high-volume tackler

• Exceptional run defender

• High football IQ and elite instincts — natural nose for the ball

• Constant presence on the field — makes plays at every level

• Explosive coming downhill

• Consummate backfield disruptor

• Underrate athleticism

• Superb sideline-to-sideline range

• Relentless motor

• Quick feet with fluid, effortless hips

• Versatile and dependable in coverage

• Outstanding ball skills — a true turnover creator

Weaknesses:

At just over 230 pounds, Rodriguez’s compact frame can present challenges at the next level. His lack of prototypical size leaves him susceptible to being overpowered by bigger, more physical offensive linemen climbing to the second level. When he is forced to take on blocks directly, he does not possess the ideal length to create separation, shed, and finish plays consistently. In these situations, he often needs to win with quickness—displacing himself from his spot before linemen can square him up and engulf him.

While there are flashes of him making plays in short‑zone coverage, there is limited evidence that he can reliably handle wider coverage responsibilities or carry receivers vertically down the seam. He appears to have the requisite foot speed to be effective, but with minimal collegiate reps in these situations, he could be vulnerable early in his NFL transition. Teams will likely view him as a player who needs schematic protection in coverage until he proves otherwise.

For the most part, Rodriguez is a disciplined, controlled tackler who closes downhill with intent. However, there are notable instances where he takes inefficient angles or arrives with his pads too high, reducing his stopping power and allowing ball carriers to slip through contact. These issues are not glaring weaknesses, but they are areas he must continue to refine to maximize his reliability as a finisher at the next level.

Overall, Rodriguez brings toughness, urgency, and a strong play temperament, but his size, length, and coverage limitations will require careful projection. With improved technique and a role that plays to his strengths, he has the potential to carve out meaningful snaps in an NFL defense.