Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks believes rookie Jacob Rodriguez will excel in the NFL for a major reason.
There is a direct connection between Miami Dolphins linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Jacob Rodriguez, as both played for Texas Tech. They also share that with Hall of Famer Zach Thomas.
While all three share a strong physical presence, the current Dolphins linebackers will now share the field. Brooks spoke about the rookie recently during "Drive Time," stating that he plays "different" and that will lead to huge success.
Initially, host Travis Wingfield asks Brooks what he needs to see from a player to determine if they will be a playmaker, and the veteran indicated that playing IQ matters a great deal.
"Yeah, I think at linebacker, I think the things you look for is just, one, the IQ. Um seeing how he's controlling the defense. That's the first part, you know, getting everybody lined up. And then just the way he plays football, man. Uh I think he's different. Me personally, I think he had probably the best college football season for linebacker ever," Brooks said.
Rodriguez did have one of the best seasons as a linebacker, as he brought in 128 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions, and forced seven fumbles. His play led to multiple end-of-season awards, including the Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, and many more.
Rodriguez also finished fifth in voting for the Heisman Trophy, which ultimately went to Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Still, Rodriguez made his mark on the college world, which led to the Dolphins drafting him No. 43 overall. Initially, there were many shocked by the pick considering the team already has Brooks and Tyrel Dodson as leading linebackers.
It wasn't until after the pick that many pundits and analysts got on board with the move, as Miami took the best player available. This could ultimately prove to be the right kind of move, if Rodriguez can replicate his success from college to the pros.
There has been plenty of rumors and reports regarding Brooks and his future with the Dolphins, as he remains one of the only "pillars" who has not received a contract extension. Despite the concerns, it is likely just taking a bit more time to complete.
The Dolphins having one of the most decorated collegiate players ever along with the NFL's leading tackler on one team could give the defense one of the most terrifying linebacker units in the league. That is not something they are likely to move on from.
There is chance that any player could be on the move, but Brooks and Rodriguez taking the field together seems far more likely.
