Jacob Rodriguez NFL Draft Scouting Report

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez

Jacob Rodriguez is a high-IQ, tone-setting linebacker who thrives on instincts, effort, and physicality. At 6’1”, 230 pounds, he’s slightly undersized by prototype standards but compensates with excellent processing speed, closing burst, and a knack for creating turnovers. A converted quarterback, Rodriguez brings advanced football intelligence and leadership to the second level, serving as the vocal centerpiece of Texas Tech’s defense.

Film Summary

Rodriguez’s tape highlights an instinctive playmaker who diagnoses plays early and triggers downhill with authority. His range and pursuit angles stand out in zone-match concepts, and he consistently arrives at the football with violent intent. He plays bigger than his frame, using leverage and timing to defeat blocks and finish in traffic.

In coverage, he’s most comfortable in zone drops where his route anticipation and eyes on the quarterback allow him to undercut passing lanes. He’s a natural playmaker, recording 7 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions in 2025, showcasing his turnover-creating instincts.

While his physical traits limit him in man coverage and his size can show up when engaged by interior linemen, Rodriguez compensates with toughness, processing, and effort.

Ideal Scheme Fit

Best suited as a MIKE or WILL linebacker in a 4-3 zone-match or hybrid 4-2-5 system that allows him to read, diagnose, and flow freely to the football.

Key Strengths

• High football IQ: Elite pre-snap processing and fast key-and-trigger response.

• Physical run defender: Delivers forceful strikes, sets tone inside the box.

• Turnover creation: Instinctive ball-hawk with advanced strip and pursuit technique.

• Effort and leadership: Relentless motor and vocal presence on and off the field.

Developmental Areas

• Size and take-on strength: Can get washed out when facing power at the point of attack.

• Tackling angles in space: Occasional over-pursuit when scraping laterally.

• Man-coverage matchups: Struggles to mirror athletic RBs and TEs in isolation.

  
  

Grade and Projection Summary

• Football Scout 365 Grade: High-End Starter Potential

  Instinctive, assignment-sound linebacker who wins with processing, toughness, and leadership.

• Ceiling Grade: Near Elite

  With continued refinement in coverage and improved play strength, projects as a multi-year starter and defensive cornerstone.

• NFL Draft Projection: Day 2 (3rd Round Range)

• Pro Comparison: Josey Jewell / David Long Jr. hybrid — instinctive, compact linebacker who thrives in flow-and-fit systems.

Final Analysis

Jacob Rodriguez embodies the modern cerebral linebacker — quick to diagnose, relentless to finish, and trusted to quarterback a defense. His film shows a consistent playmaker capable of impacting all three downs, even without elite measurables. With his toughness, football IQ, and knack for generating turnovers, Rodriguez profiles as an immediate contributor on special teams and an eventual starter in a multiple 4-3 front.