Former Texas Tech star Jacob Rodriguez has Miami buzzing after Jeff Hafley said he didn’t expect the linebacker to last until Round 2.
Former Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez didn’t have to wait long to make an impression in Miami.
The Dolphins selected Rodriguez in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and while Miami added two first-round talents, the former Red Raiders standout has quickly become one of the most talked-about rookies in the class.
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That excitement isn’t just coming from fans, either.
Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley told Richard Sherman this week that Rodriguez was one of the picks that genuinely surprised Miami’s staff because they didn’t expect him to still be available.
“One guy I didn’t think would be there when we took him was probably Rodriguez,” Hafley said. “I thought he would have been picked sooner.”
That’s a strong endorsement for a player who built one of the most productive defensive resumes in Texas Tech football history.
Rodriguez began his college career at Virginia before transferring to Lubbock, where he spent four seasons becoming one of the Big 12’s most disruptive defenders.
Across 56 career games, Rodriguez totaled 317 tackles, 13 forced fumbles, 12 passes defended, six sacks, six interceptions and five fumble recoveries.
He was a two-time All-Big 12 selection and earned All-American honors once, giving Miami a linebacker with production, versatility and proven leadership.
Hafley pointed to several reasons the Dolphins valued Rodriguez so highly.
“Just his college tape, I think the upside, I think the potential, I think the leadership capability, the playmaking ability, the production,” Hafley said.
“I thought he would have been gone by that pick. So when he was still there, that one, we were all pretty excited about that pick.”
Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson are expected to open as Miami’s starting linebackers in 2026, but Rodriguez should have a chance to earn snaps early.
For Texas Tech, it’s another reminder that Rodriguez wasn’t just productive in college. NFL teams saw the same edge.
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