Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez has been on the radar of several teams as the draft approaches, with the Dallas Cowboys reportedly interested.
We are edging closer to the NFL Draft, and we are starting to understand what teams want to do in the first round. For Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez, his name is getting a lot of traction.
While linebacker isn't a top position - it's not valued quite like EDGE, where fellow Red Raiders star David Bailey will be among Thursday night's very top picks - it is still important, and we have seen mock drafts that vary in where Rodriguez will be selected.
Some think towards the backend of the first round; others think a second-round grade is the sweet spot for Rodriguez.
The Dallas Cowboys have been mentioned as a potential fit for Christian Parker, and, at the time of writing, the NFC East franchise has an urgent need for a linebacker with Rodriguez's talents.
But at this time of year, it can be hard to tell what is fact and fiction, as there are several mind games being played. Some teams don't want to tip their hand in the draft, so they opt to go in the opposite direction.
However, here comes Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports, who thinks the Cowboys could be one team that might look to take Rodriguez in the first round.
"I’m told cornerback Chris Johnson and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez are in play for the Cowboys with the 20th pick, their second selection in the initial round," Pauline wrote. "Ideally, the team would like to trade down from that slot and then select either of the two."
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Given the Cowboys' glaring need for a linebacker, there was a thought the franchise could look to add a veteran in free agency before the draft.
It doesn't look like that at the moment.
So the draft could be where the Cowboys look, and Rodriguez fits the bill for many scouts.
Possessing high football IQ, Rodriguez made his name due to his ability to diagnose a play and react more quickly than most.
He is also good in coverage, and perhaps the best thing Dallas will like is that he's an aggressive tackler. Something that has been missing from Dallas' defenses.
The big question is whether the Cowboys see him as a first-round talent, and if they do, is taking him at No. 20 in the realm of possibility?
Pauline thinks so, but time will tell whether this Red Raiders star will be heading to the Cowboys in a few days.