Patriots Should Draft Versatile Linebacker Rodriguez

0:00It's March 24, NFL news today starts now, AI powered and always on. The New England Patriots hold the 31st pick in the NFL draft, and one expert thinks they should grab Texas Tech Limebacker Jacob Rodriguez. Jordan Plotcher from Pro Football Focus calls him a smart, versatile player who could quickly win over head coach Mike Ravel and see the field right, away. Rodriguez dominated in the 2025 college season, snagging the Butkiss Award as the nation's top linebacker. He earned the highest PFF grade among linebackers at 93.0, with 94 tackles including 70 stops that rank second. Nationally, his run defense grade topped everyone at 94.8. Plotcher highlights how Rodriguez forces turnovers like no one else, leading the country with seven force fumbles at his position. He also shown in coverage with four interceptions and three pass breakups, posting a 92.3 PFF coverage grade that screams impact, player.

1:00What sets Rodriguez apart is his experience, five full college seasons starting one average in Virginia before four strong years at Texas Tech. Over 56 career games, he racked up 317 tackles, 25 and a half tackles for loss, and 6 stacks. Adding him would shore up the middle New England's defense with a rookie who's no typical first-year guy, giving the pass a battle-tested option as, draft-night nears.