Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer will attend Texas Tech Pro Day as linebacker Jacob Rodriguez’s NFL Draft stock surges.
The Dallas Cowboys are searching for defensive answers, and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez may suddenly be high on their radar.
With head coach Brian Schottenheimer expected to attend Texas Tech’s Pro Day on March 26, the Cowboys could be taking a close look at one of the fastest-rising defenders ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dallas desperately needs help on defense.
Despite boasting one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, the Cowboys missed the playoffs after finishing the 2025 season with a defense that ranked near the bottom of the league. Dallas allowed 30.1 points per game, the worst mark in the NFL, forcing the franchise to rethink its approach on that side of the ball.
Now, a new defensive philosophy is taking shape under defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who is expected to introduce a multiple defensive scheme after the team previously leaned on a traditional 4-3 base behind Matt Eberflus.
Finding a true difference-maker at linebacker could be a major priority.
Enter Jacob Rodriguez, whose performance at the NFL Scouting Combine may have completely reshaped his draft outlook.
Originally projected as a Day 2 selection, Rodriguez turned heads in Indianapolis with one of the most impressive all-around linebacker workouts in the class.
He ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, posted a 38.5-inch vertical, and delivered elite agility numbers, including a 6.9-second three-cone drill and a 4.19-second shuttle, both ranking No. 1 among linebackers.
Those testing numbers only reinforce what Rodriguez already showed on the field at Texas Tech.
Over his final 27 games with the Red Raiders, the playmaking linebacker recorded 255 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, five interceptions, and four forced fumbles.
He even added two defensive touchdowns, highlighting his ability to change games in multiple ways. That type of versatility is exactly what NFL defenses crave.
The Cowboys also have the draft capital to make a move if they believe Rodriguez is the right fit. Dallas currently holds two first-round picks - No. 12 and No. 20 overall, giving the franchise flexibility to address major defensive needs.
Texas Tech’s Pro Day will feature several other defensive prospects, including David Bailey and Lee Hunter, but Rodriguez is the name generating the most buzz.
If Schottenheimer leaves Lubbock convinced Rodriguez can anchor the middle of Dallas’ defense, the Cowboys may have just found the centerpiece of their defensive rebuild.