Miami Dolphins rookie Jacob Rodriguez has revealed more about being mentored by Jordyn Brooks and Zach Thomas.
A new profile on Miami Dolphins rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez shows a bit more about his path to the NFL. But even more interesting is just how involved Jordyn Brooks has been in mentoring the young prospect.
The "Prospect to Pro" video from the NFL shows Rodriguez with the Dolphins after being drafted, and includes the pair of linebackers speaking to one another. This is coupled with more from general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan on the relationship, and also how involved Miami legend Zach Thomas has also been.
"Jordan Brooks is a he's obviously a marvelous football player and he's a really good guy, but he's quiet. He doesn't say a whole lot. The fact that he showed up in our draft room 15 minutes after we after we drafted and told us we made the right decision, told me everything I need to know about how he feels about Jacob," Sullivan says in the video.
Sullivan revealed that Brooks immediately joined the draft room to talk up Rodriguez who is a fellow Texas Tech Red Raider.
Brooks then speaks about the "excitement" he feels that Rodriguez is in the building, and how the pair have been engaged in activities outside of football with one another.
"Just watching him in his career. Uh what he did at Texas Tech makes me excited, you know, and then kind of his youthful energy, you know, has been great for me. Like having him around, man, we've been outside playing basketball and doing all kinds of things," Brooks said.
Brooks has been fostering a relationship with Rodriguez, which is important for a few reasons. The first is that they can talk about goals and plans for the season, while the rookie can soak up all the knowledge handed down.
Secondly, they are building a camaraderie that is deeply needed from teammates in the NFL. Lastly, this relationship might also be a near-guarantee that the Dolphins plan to sign Brooks to a multi-year deal.
There have been rumors and reports that the reigning NFL leading tackler could be traded, but his ability to help Rodriguez become an All-Pro talent might all but guarantee he stays in Miami long-term.
Rodriguez spoke about how important the relationship with Brooks has been for his development thus far.
"Like he's really been like pouring into me and um trying to just teach me a lot of, you know, little things here and there that'll, you know, help improve," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez not only has a current All-Pro player to learn from, but he also revealed that Thomas has been a "huge resource" as well. The Dolphins Hall of Famer also went to Texas Tech.
"He's [Thomas] just been a huge resource and, you know, just so supportive. And so then we saw him the other day, 'You got to be selfish to be selfless.' You know, you really have to take care of yourself and and uh take care of your responsibilities to, you know, help everybody else out," Rodriguez said.
The Dolphins have a strong linebacker room with Brooks, Willie Gay, and Tyrel Dodson handling duties, but Rodriguez is now coming into a position and place where he can learn from some of the best at the position.
How much the rookie is used on the field in his rookie season remains to be seen, but Rodriguez has the kinds of abilities that could lead to be an immeidate impact player in 2026.
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