Jacob Rodriguez: Top Linebacker Target for Bucs

0:00It's April 7. Welcome in. This is NFL News Today, where football meets AI. Tababay Buccaneers got a linebacker void after Lavante David hung up his cleats following 14 seasons, so eyes are on the 2026. Draft. Texas Tex Jacob Rodriguez stands out as a prime target. He snagged four major national awards last year, including the Bronco Nagersky for top. Defender and the Butkis for Best Linebacker, plus helped his Red Raiders hit program highs like a Big 12 title and college football playoff birth. Rodriguez balled out with 128 tackles, good for 10th in the country, alongside seven four spumbles, two recoveries, and four. Picks that tie for the most among non-defensive backs. His instincts showed in double-digit tackles for loss two years running, turning Tex defense into the nation's turnover kings with 32. Forced from opponents. Fans and scouts buzzing about his motor tech coach Joey McGuire called him an absolute machine for that non-stop energy.

1:02Big 12 faithful knew him from first team honors in 2024, but by season's end, he was a household name nationwide, sharing the pony. Express duo award with teammate David Bailey. Concerns linger though, like a 14% mistackle rate and just one sack last year, which might not mesh perfectly with Todd Bowles. Scheme that demands linebackers upfront, rushing the passer. Still, his high football IQ fits the bill and mocks have him as the 45th overall pick in round two. Bucks hold the 15th spot on draft night, Thursday, April 23rd in Pittsburgh, with seven selections including three in the top one. 100, Rodriguez could slide right in to stabilize that front seven moving forward.