Jacob Rodriguez: Patriots' Linebacker Solution

0:00It's April 2nd. Welcome to NFL News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. The New England Patriots linebacker crew balled out last season, but they got holes to fill after losing Jack Gibbons to free agency and cutting. Veteran Jalani to Vi. Now they are hunting for depth. In Texas Tech's standout, Jacob Rodriguez looks like the perfect match as a projected second-round pick. Rodriguez switched from quarterback at Virginia to off-ball linebacker at Texas Tech where he exploded over four years. The 24-year-old racked up 302 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 13 forced fumbles, and even snagged six, picks while breaking up 18 passes. Fans and scouts are buzzing because he swept awards like the butt kiss, bednarek, and big 12 defensive player of the year in 2025. Finishing fifth in Heisman Voting, his instincts and athleticism make him a tackling beast who rips balls loose and covers ground like nobody's business. That said, his smaller frame

1:03at six foot one, 231 pounds, and shorter arms, mean he sometimes overruns plays or misses tackles at a fee, 14.9 percent clip. Still, for the pats, he fits as a will linebacker, adding immediate depth over guys like Christian Ellis and setting up as a future starter behind, aging Robert Spillane. With the draft looming, Rodriguez could slide right in, late first or early second round, giving New England that foundational piece to build there. Linebacker room's strong for years ahead.