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The Miami Dolphins have had their share of talented linebackers, one of them being Zach Thomas. Moreover, the Dolphins legend has a connection to the team’s 2026 second-round pick, Jacob Rodriguez, as both arrived in South Florida from Texas Tech.

After the Dolphins made the selection official, Rodriguez spoke with the media in Miami and elaborated on how Thomas has played a role in helping him on this journey, which now takes him to the NFL and the former linebacker’s team.

“He’s just kind of reminded me of what he went through and this process that he went through and how he had to believe in himself and just kind of hold true to what he’s had and what he’s earned,” Rodriguez told reporters on April 24.

“You’ve got to, especially being from West Texas, you work hard every day, and that’s got to be your routine. So just feeding into a lot of the day-to-day stuff and a lot of that we elaborated on.”

Jacob Rodriguez Talks Zach Thomas and Jordyn Brooks

Moreover, Jordyn Brooks, who Rodriguez could play alongside in Miami, also played college football for the Red Raiders. As a result, the 23-year-old shared his thoughts on that Dolphins-Texas Tech connection he has with Brooks and Thomas.

“I think Jordyn has given me a lot of words of wisdom as I have gone through my years [at Texas Tech]. I was also able to create a good relationship with Zach Thomas, and he has been a mentor to me.

“He has let me reach out to him with any questions I have. It has been a really cool experience to be in this position, to have guys who were in your same spot and now are leaning into this experience just like you are right now.”

Dolphins Give Strong Reason for Picking Jacob Rodriguez

Rodriguez put together a dominant 2025 college football season for Texas Tech, finishing with a 93.3 overall PFF grade that ranked first among 809 qualified linebackers. He also led the position in coverage with a 92.7 grade and topped all linebackers in run defense at 95.3.

As a pass rusher, his 62.2 grade ranked 452nd among qualified linebackers, showing that area as his weakest phase.

Moreover, he finished the year with 81 solo tackles, added four total pressures and one sack as a blitzer, and allowed an 82.7 passer rating when targeted in coverage. He was also credited with 17 missed tackles across the season.

After making the pick on April 24, Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan spoke with the media and shared what led them to select Rodriguez, noting that they see him leading the defense in the future.

“I can’t say enough good things about Jacob and, more importantly, about the people who have been around him during his time at Texas Tech and what they say about him, not only as a football player and the intangibles but also the type of person he is,” Sullivan said. “The tape speaks for itself. He’s all over the field and makes plays everywhere.

“His instincts are second to none. [Rodriguez] can play in space on third downs, and he’s going to help this football team, but he’s also a leader. He’s a green-dot guy who will call the defense in time, and I think he’ll fit really well in the room with Brooks and [Tyrel Dodson]. He’d be a great addition to the Miami Dolphins.”