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On Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins added a potential leader on defense when they drafted former Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Jacob Rodriguez with the No. 43 pick in the second round.

After making the selection 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.”

Moreover, Sullivan went into detail about the traits Rodriguez will bring to the Dolphins’ defense that make the 23-year-old a no-brainer for them.  

“His instincts are second to none,” Sullivan added. “[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 [Jordyn] Brooks and [Tyrel Dodson]. He’d be a great addition to the Miami Dolphins.”

Jacob Rodriguez to Be Valuable Asset for Dolphins Defense

Meanwhile, after being selected by Miami, Rodriguez spoke to local media and shared what he’ll bring to the team following a successful 2025 college football season with the Red Raiders.

“I think my value has a lot to do with being in the position my coaches put me in, and I think they put a lot on my plate,” Rodriguez told reporters on April 24. “A lot of it, I was either asking for or I was ready to take on that challenge. I am really appreciative of them putting me in all those spots to get everybody lined up and make them do what they do. We had a lot of great teammates this year, and it was fun for me just to be able to set them up for success.

“If we get those guys going and playing hard, then all I have to do is just do my job. It means a lot. I think I am a very versatile player. I can play kind of all around the field and do whatever the team needs of me and whatever is asked of me. That is where I can add value.”

What More Will Jacob Rodriguez Bring to Miami?

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.

ESPN’s Aaron Schatz shared on April 24 how the player will fit into Miami’s defense, as he looks to be a pillar in that rebuild.

“What do you get for the team that needs (almost) everything?” Schatz wrote. “How about a former quarterback who won almost every possible defensive award in college football last season?

“Jordyn Brooks’ contract will void after 2026 and Tyrel Dodson is in his final year as well, so Rodriguez should get some playing time in 2026 before moving into the starting lineup in 2027. Plus, between Rodriguez and tight end Greg Dulcich, the Dolphins now have their mustache game on lock.”