The Dallas Cowboys will reinvent their defensive identity this offseason under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. While his exact scheme and style are to be determined, every defense needs a ball-hawking, havoc-wreaking linebacker. Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez is precisely that.
Although not considered by most to be worthy of a first-round selection, Rodriguez was the most productive player in college football last season and comes into April's draft incredibly underrated. Dallas should seriously consider trading back from No. 20 and taking Rodriguez with their next pick.
Let's dive into why.
Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes:
Height: 6011
Weight: 233 pounds
Expected 40 Yard Dash Time: 4.60-4.70
Recruiting: Unranked prospect in 2021 recruiting class. Initially played quarterback at Virginia before transferring to Texas Tech and switching to linebacker.
College Production: 317 total tackles, 179 solo tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, 6 interceptions, 12 passes defended, 13 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, 2 defensive touchdowns. Two rushing touchdowns as a senior. Led the Big 12 in solo tackles in 2024 and 2025. Led the nation with 7 forced fumbles in 2025. Nagurski, Butkus, Lombardi and Bednarik Award winner, Unanimous All-American, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2025. Fifth in Heisman Trophy voting.
Positives:
- Incredibly high IQ player. Quarterback background is evident with pre-snap recognition. Allows him to get ahead of plays and track running backs, beating them to the spot.
- Production cannot be denied. His ability to create havoc plays like TFLs, interceptions and forced fumbles makes him an asset. Just has a nose for the football.
- Instincts allow him to readjust on the fly and not get burned. Gets downhill against the run in a hurry and rarely bites on fakes or misdirections.
- Rangey linebacker. Great pursuit of ball carries, quickly gets to the edge and can get sideline to sideline to prevent big plays.
- Can cover running backs coming out of the backfield and does a great job deterring quarterbacks in the middle of the field. Great ball skills for a linebacker. Times up hits well to jar the ball loose on receivers across the middle.
- Uses speed, savvy and violence to get around blocks. Wide receivers and tight ends don't have a chance of slowing him down. Can bring the hit stick and make players regret coming near him. Effective blitzer.
- Leadership skills are obvious on the field. Teammates love him and he can rally the troops in tough situations
Rodriguez should be a foundational piece of a strong defense at the next level. He truly is a do-it-all linebacker who affects the game in every way possible. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more polished and game-ready linebacker in this class, outside of Sonny Styles.
Negatives:
- Undersized. Not as tall or heavy as traditional mike linebackers, and arms may be a bit on the short side. Hasn't slowed him down yet, but the NFL is a different beast.
- Average athleticism is a concern with his frame. Speed is also a question mark, may inhibit his ability to get to the sidelines, especially in two-high shells.
- Can't always stick with wide receivers and tight ends on deeper routes. Ball skills and closing speed make up for it, but could be seen as a mismatch at times.
NFL personnel will certainly hold his measurables against him, and his occasional struggles against pass-catchers in the slot is a concern. But there's no need to overthink things with Rodriguez, and it's difficult to imagine every team passing on him multiple times.
Jacob Rodriguez NFL Player Comparison: Drake Thomas
Rodriguez has a lot of Fred Warner in his game, as both are highly intelligent with great instincts and possess that immeasurable havoc-making quality. But due to size, comparing Rodriguez to Seattle Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas makes a bit more sense.
Both are on the smaller side for an inside linebacker, but they each have the intangibles to thrive and be a centerpiece of a great defense. The same concerns NFL folks have about Thomas, they have about Rodriguez, but it hasn't slowed the former down yet, and it shouldn't stop the latter.
Jacob Rodriguez NFL Draft Grade: First Round
This may not be his consensus grade, as most believe that Rodriguez will slip late into Day 2 and perhaps even early on Day 3. But in terms of the production that he had on the field and what Rodriguez put on tape, he is a first-round talent.
Taking him at No. 20 may be a bit of a reach for the Cowboys, but he should be a priority if Jerry Jones decides to trade back. Rodriguez could easily anchor the Dallas defense for a decade and pave the way for other smaller linebackers in the process. Rodriguez is a football player.