2026 NFL Scouting Report: Jacob Rodriguez

Jacob Rodriguez, 6-1/231
Linebacker
Texas Tech

Jacob Rodriguez Scouting Report

By Charlie Campbell

Strengths:

Good instincts
Decisive, fires his gun at the right time
Capable zone coverage linebacker
Reads his keys well
Covers ground in zone
Good vision to read quarterback’s eyes
Burst to eat up ground
Great ball skills for a linebacker
Wraps up well as a tackler
Good pursuit linebacker
Serious downhill force

Weaknesses:

Lacks elite speed
Lacks elite athleticism
Can get bounced around by offensive linemen
Will have an occasional bust in coverage

Prospect Summary:

Rodriguez came to college having played quarterback and been an athlete on offense. He grew into becoming a linebacker, and his football intelligence was displayed. In 2024, Rodriguez had a breakout season with 127 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception, and four passes broken up. In 2025, Rodriguez was even better and helped Texas Tech advance into the college football playoffs. He totaled 128 tackles with one sack, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, four interceptions, and six passes broken up. Rodriguez had a quality workout at the NFL Scouting Combine after the season.

In the ground game, Rodriguez is a force. He is a very good pursuit linebacker who uses his excellent instincts to chase down backs. With great anticipation, Rodriguez is always around the ball and puts himself in position to make a lot of plays. He has a nice burst and attacks downhill. His background as a quarterback shows advanced ability to read his keys and get in position to make tackles. He attacks the ball and has tremendous ball awareness to go for the strip with a knack for making game-changing plays. Rodriguez has adequate speed and athleticism, but he is not elite in those regards. Rodriguez can get bounced around by offensive linemen, and he will need to work on taking on and shedding blocks from pro offensive linemen.

In pass coverage, Rodriguez is able to contribute as well. Rodriguez can move around the field in space in zone coverage, picking up receivers and covering up receiving options. He has shown nice read-and-react skills with the ability to eat up ground. Rodriguez shows good instincts to read the quarterback’s eyes, and that allows him to disrupt passing lanes. He was very adept at jumping routes for interceptions and pass breakups. Rodriguez will need some coaching on technique if his system requires him to play some man coverage on tight ends or backs. He could have some struggles in man coverage to prevent separation. Rodriguez also had some busted coverages last season in college, so he will need some coaching on his diagnosis and recognition.

Rodriguez looks like he could develop into an effective starting middle linebacker in the NFL. In the 2026 NFL Draft, Rodriguez could be a day-two pick. Check out my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft to see where Rodriguez is currently being projected.