Broncos Mock Draft: Jacob Rodriguez at 30

0:00On March 15, in a new mod draft for the 2026 NFL season, Analyst Tim Kreme projects the Denver Broncos selecting Texas Tech Limebacker, Jacob Rodriguez with the 30th overall pick in the first round. This move targets a key defensive knee for the team long-term. Rodriguez stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 231 pounds. He impressed at the NFL Combine with a 4.57 second 40 yard dash, and a 1.6 second tenured split. Last fall, he racked of 128 tackles, 7 force fumbles, 6 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, and 1 sack over 14 games. Fans and experts see Rodriguez as one of the top defensive talents from college football. Some think his size might cause him to slip into the second or third round, but Broncos coach Sean Payton often follows his own instincts on, prospects. Denver holds 9 total picks now, boosted by two compensatory selections before free agency. That gives them flexibility heading into draft season.

1:02The 2026 NFL Draft Lands in Pittsburgh, from April 23rd through 25th, where these projections could start taking shape.