Jacob Rodriguez Is Wasting No Time Taking Over Miami’s Defense

Jacob Rodriguez didn’t need long to look comfortable in the NFL.

The former Texas Tech linebacker delivered 18 tackles in Miami’s 15-10 loss to Minnesota, setting a Dolphins rookie single-game record and surpassing the previous mark of 16 set by Hall of Famer Zach Thomas in 1996.

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It was another major step for a player who is quickly becoming one of the central pieces of Jeff Hafley’s rebuilding defense. 

Rodriguez’s impact goes well beyond the box score.

He is handling the defensive communication duties for Miami, wearing the green dot and relaying adjustments from Hafley before the snap.

For a rookie playing only his fourth NFL game, that level of responsibility is significant.

Hafley said the communication between the two during the Minnesota game was “by far the best that it’s been,” praising Rodriguez for taking late information and getting the defense aligned before the play clock expired. 

“He just keeps getting better and better, but it doesn’t surprise me because it’s the way he works and prepares,” Hafley said. 

That preparation has already shown up consistently.

Rodriguez recorded 14 tackles in his NFL debut, giving him two of the three highest single-game tackle totals by a Dolphins rookie through just four appearances.

He also had 28 tackles through his first three games and had already emerged as an early Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate before his record-setting performance in Minnesota.

There’s also a familiar Texas Tech connection helping shape Miami’s defense.

Veteran linebacker Jordyn Brooks, another former Red Raider, has been supportive of Rodriguez since the Dolphins drafted him.

Brooks said during the offseason that he had followed Rodriguez closely at Texas Tech and was excited to have another Red Raider in Miami. 

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The Dolphins may be 0-4, but Rodriguez has become one of the clearest reasons for optimism.

Texas Tech fans knew about his instincts, toughness and leadership long before the NFL did. Miami is finding out quickly.