Jacob Rodriguez Scouting Report

Jacob Rodriguez is a versatile linebacker who has a natural instinct for creating turnovers via forced fumbles or interceptions.

Draft Grade: Round 4 - Developmental Traits

Strengths:

Playmaking Ability: During the 2025 season, Rodriguez forced seven fumbles and recorded four interceptions, consistently showing a knack for being around the football. He plays with strong instincts and anticipation, allowing him to create turnovers for his defense, a trait that has clear NFL translation.

Versatility: Rodriguez has aligned at multiple linebacker spots throughout his career, including Mike and Will, and has also kicked out as a slot overhang defender in sub-packages. Additionally, his experience as a wildcat running back at Texas Tech highlights his athleticism and creativity, something NFL staffs could explore situationally.

Run-Game IQ: Rodriguez is a high-IQ run defender who diagnoses plays quickly and triggers downhill with urgency. His processing speed and athleticism allow him to beat blockers to the spot, fill gaps decisively, and finish tackles. He shows an understanding of leverage and timing, using speed to slip blocks or patiently working behind linemen before shooting the gap to make plays.

Concerns:

Size: Rodriguez appears undersized for a traditional NFL linebacker role, which could limit his usage early in his career. His frame may push teams to view him as a scheme-specific or role-defined defender rather than a full-time, every-down linebacker.

Block Shedding: When offensive linemen climb to the second level and square him up, Rodriguez struggles to disengage quickly. In these situations, he can get covered up and neutralized, preventing him from freeing himself to make plays on the football.

Tackling: At times, Rodriguez relies too heavily on throwing his body into tackles rather than wrapping up consistently. In space, he often tackles like a defensive back, going low in an attempt to take out the ball carrier’s legs. This approach has led to missed tackles and inconsistent finishes, particularly on key open-field plays.