2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez

Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez continues to establish himself as one of the most dependable defenders in the Big 12. His play this past season earned him well-deserved recognition with the Bedarik Award, the Butkus Award (nation’s best linebacker), the Bronco Nagurski Trophy (nation’s best defensive player), and the Lombardi Award (nation’s best lineman or linebacker), further elevating his national profile. These honors are a reflection of Rodriguez’s consistent production, leadership, and ability to impact games from the second level of the defense. As the 2026 NFL Draft cycle approaches, Rodriguez is emerging as a prospect built on reliability, instincts, and toughness.

A multi-year contributor for the Red Raiders, Rodriguez has grown into the centerpiece of Texas Tech’s defense. While he may not carry the flash of some hybrid linebacker-safety prospects, his value lies in his football intelligence, physicality, and command of the defensive structure. Coaches trust him to make calls, align teammates, and serve as the stabilizing force in the middle of the field.

Rodriguez plays the linebacker position with discipline and urgency. He diagnoses plays quickly, takes efficient angles, and consistently finishes tackles. Against the run, he shows no hesitation, triggering downhill, meeting ball carriers with physicality and balance. His motor runs hot snap to snap, and his ability to clean up plays late is a major reason for his high tackle production year after year.

While primarily known for his work between the tackles, Rodriguez has steadily improved in coverage responsibilities. He is comfortable operating in zone concepts, showing awareness and timing when closing throwing windows. Though not a true matchup defender against elite receiving threats, his positioning and anticipation help limit yards after the catch and keep plays in front of him.

Strengths

Football IQ and Instincts

Rodriguez reads plays quickly and reacts decisively. His anticipation allows him to arrive early at the point of attack.

Run Defense Reliability

He is a consistent, physical tackler who excels flowing downhill and filling interior gaps with authority.

Leadership and Communication

Rodriguez serves as the on-field quarterback of the defense, routinely making adjustments and aligning teammates pre-snap.

Pursuit and Motor

He plays with relentless effort, chasing plays sideline to sideline and finishing through the whistle.

Zone Coverage Awareness

Rodriguez demonstrates solid spatial awareness in zone drops and understands route concepts that develop around him.

Weaknesses

Man Coverage Limitations

He may struggle when isolated against dynamic NFL-level backs and tight ends in man-to-man situations.

Explosiveness Ceiling

Rodriguez wins with instincts and angles more than elite burst or suddenness.

Block Shedding Consistency

While physical, he can improve disengaging from second-level blockers more efficiently.

Range in Space

His lateral agility is solid but not elite, which can show up against spread offenses.

Conclusion

Jacob Rodriguez is a high-floor linebacker prospect whose game is built on consistency, intelligence, and toughness. While he may not be the most athletically flashy linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft, his reliability and leadership will appeal strongly to NFL coaching staffs.

Draft Nation currently projects Rodriguez as a Day 2 selection, with a strong chance to carve out an early role as a rotational defender and special teams contributor. With continued growth in coverage and block disengagement, he has the tools to develop into a dependable NFL starter.