Rodriguez: Top NFL Draft Prospect

0:00It's April 8th. This is NFL News Today, powered by AI, your gridiron update. I'm Cory with the story. Jacob Rodriguez, the Texas Tech linebacker, who's blowing up as a top prospect for the 2026 NFL draft, especially for teams like the Dallas Cowboys. This 6'1, 231 pound senior started his college ball as a quarterback at Virginia before flipping to defense at Texas Tech. His journey's wild, he went from throwing passes to stacking tackles. After a solid transition year, with 29 tackles, he battled injuries in 2023, but still balled out in limited action, earning, defensive MVP in the Independence Bowl. Then came the explosion in 2024. He racked up 127 tackles, and in 2025, he led the Big 12 with 128 plus 7 force fumbles nationwide. Champions and scouts love his elite instincts. He diagnoses plays fast, finishes violent, and shows up huge in big games like 17 tackles

1:04against. Colorado are clutch picks in bulls. His stamina's insane, leading FPS since 2005, with over 300 career tackles, tons of turnovers, and recoveries. Leadership shines too. He's a tone-setter who thrives under pressure. Having deeper, his scorecards highlight 96 run defense and strong coverage at 89, but size issues mean he gets washed by guards. Sometimes, and he misses tackles from over aggression. Still, awards pour it in, Big 12 defensive player of the year. Butkuss, Bednarik, Lombardi, all first team honors. Rodriguez fits perfect as a three-down mic in nickel schemes, thriving behind a strong front to play fast and create chaos, much like Robert, Spillane. Coming to round 43rd overall, he's a cowboy steal for their linebacker needs, instinctive producer ready to impact day one. Keep eyes on him this draft season.