Miami landed Texas Tech star Jacob Rodriguez at No. 43, adding a disruptive linebacker with elite production and long-term defensive leader potential.
Jacob Rodriguez is taking Texas Tech football back into the NFL spotlight, and the Miami Dolphins may have landed one of the biggest values of Day 2.
Miami selected Rodriguez with the No. 43 overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, adding a linebacker who could eventually become the voice of the defense.
For the Red Raiders, it’s another major draft win after Rodriguez turned into one of college football’s most productive defenders.
His 2025 season was ridiculous. Rodriguez piled up 122 total tackles, including 63 solo stops, with 11 tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions, seven forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
The honors matched the stat sheet. Rodriguez was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, became a unanimous All-American and took home both the Butkus Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
What makes the pick even more interesting is that Rodriguez is still growing into the position. He arrived as a quarterback recruit before transitioning to linebacker, and he’s only been a full-time defender for two seasons.
That gives Miami plenty to dream on.
Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan praised Rodriguez’s instincts, leadership and ability to play in space, making it clear the team sees him as more than just a rookie contributor.
Miami believes he can eventually wear the green dot and call the defense.
That’s where the fit gets exciting. Rodriguez joins a linebacker room with Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson, giving him veteran voices to learn from while he adjusts to NFL speed.
He doesn’t have to become the centerpiece overnight, but the path is there.
For Texas Tech fans, this is the kind of draft story that sells development. Rodriguez didn’t just become a standout. He became the kind of player NFL teams trust to lead.
Miami needed toughness, range and takeaway ability. Rodriguez brings all three.
The Dolphins may have drafted him in Round 2, but if his growth continues, Rodriguez has every chance to play like a future first-round steal.
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