Jacob Rodriguez: Colts' Linebacker Solution?

0:00On April 19th, the Indianapolis Colts have a glaring need at linebacker heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, and Texas Tex, Jacob Rodriguez, is emerging as a prime target to shore up that spot. NFL FilmExper, Greg Closel, broke it down on a recent podcast, raving about Rodriguez's tape where he stays clean on runs, meets ball carriers right. In the hole, and nails his assignments without drifting backyards deep, Rodriguez crushed it as one of the top run defenders per PFF grades, snagged four picks, broke up three passes, and forced seven fumbles, showing real, playmaking chops and coverage too. His combine numbers backed the hype with a 4.5, 740 yard dash, and a relative athletic score of 9.60 out of 10. Proving he's got that quick trigger, team's crave. Even after signing a keen Davis-Gaether, the Colts' linebacker room lacks vets. Jalen Carly's leads with just 244 career snaps, mostly from last year.

1:03Rodriguez ranks 45th on the bigboard, while Indy picks at 47, so a double dip here could lock in competition in depth for years.