Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez dominated college football. His unparalleled defensive prowess and playmaking ability make him a prime target for America's Team.
The Dallas Cowboys have eight draft picks, including two in the first round. The majority of their draft needs are on the defensive side of the ball. One of those needs is at linebacker. Poor personnel decisions at that position via free agency have cost the Cowboys production on the field.
Scouts from the Cowboys should have been sequestered in a motel in Lubbock taking notes and watching the most dominant linebacker in college football in 2025: Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez.
A converted quarterback, Rodriguez took the linebacker position and college football by storm in 2025. He was the leader of a tenacious Texas Tech defense that dominated opponents in the regular season on their way to winning the Big 12 championship.
During the 2025 campaign, the versatile Rodriguez (6-1, 235 pounds) could not be stopped and made plays on both sides of the ball. On defense, he racked up 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four interceptions and seven forced fumbles. Rodriguez posted seven games of double-digit tackles. On offense, he scored two rushing touchdowns.
For his efforts, Rodriguez was highly-decorated for his gridiron performance this past season:
· First-team Associated Press (AP) All-American
· Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner
· Butkus Award winner
· Lombardi Award winner
· Bednarik Award winner
· Unanimous All-American
· Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year
· 5th in voting for the Heisman Trophy
For his collegiate career with the Red Raiders, Rodriguez recorded an extraordinary 316 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, six interceptions and 13 forced fumbles.
Those at the pro level speak of traits and tendencies when they evaluate a player. NFL owners, scouts and general managers would be wise not to underestimate “J-Rod’s” ability and passion for the game of football. He's 6-1, 230 and you wish he was bigger. He's not the fastest guy on the field.
But ...
He is a pure football player in every sense of the word and his production on the field speaks for itself.
And the Cowboys need a rebuild of their linebacker room.
Here's where it gets tricky: Our Mike Fisher suggests at this early stage that Rodriguez projects as a third-round pick ... and Dallas doesn't presently own a Round 3 selection.
If the Cowboys are looking to use a draft pick on someone who can anchor the middle of their defense, they would be wise to use it on Rodriguez - somehow. He is certainly one who embodies the “Cowboys Way” of winning with sportsmanship, putting in the hard work to be the best and do it all while being humble.
Rodriquez is an impact player and can make the defensive plays that the Cowboys were sorely lacking in 2025. Coach Brian Schottenheimer should have Rodriguez’s cell number on speed dial.