Jacob Rodriguez On The Second Day Of The Draft
March 29th, 2026
All-American Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez.
Last year Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was a human highlight film.
Rodriguez finished 12th overall in the nation in tackles (128), led the Big XII in solo tackles in each of the last two seasons (77 and 63, respectively), was fifth in voting for the Heisman Trophy and won the Butkus Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Bednarik Award, and Lombardi Award for his play on defense.
So why wouldn’t the Bucs want an All-American linebacker in the second round if the Bucs choose to draft another position at No. 15? Matt Miller of BSPN notes that Rodriguez is also good at what hurt the Bucs last season: pass coverage from the middle backers.
Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech. The former quarterback turned linebacker ran a 4.57-second 40 at the combine after causing seven fumbles last season. He profiles as a better inside linebacker than the weakside playmaker [Lavonte] David was, but his college tape is full of big-time plays in coverage, against the run or getting after the QB.
A guy who can cover and get after the quarterback? What’s not to like?
Fellow BSPNer and former Jets and Dolphins shot-caller Mike Tannenbaum thinks Rodriguez slips to the third round where he would be a steal. Tannenbaum thinks Rodriguez is Zach Thomas II.
Rodriguez reminds me so much of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas. He has an incredible knack for forcing fumbles (seven last season, 13 over his career), and he picked off four passes in 2025. Typically when someone is that productive and instinctive, it carries over to the next level. I’d want him on my team, even though he’s slightly undersized at 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds. It’s sort of impossible to think he won’t make it as a starter in the NFL.
A guy who produces forced fumbles? How Lavonte David of him!
Joe would be a little bit surprised if Rodriguez is there at No. 46, which is where the Bucs draft in the second round. But if he was, Joe would be tempted to pull the trigger on Rodriguez.
But the third round? That would be shocking to Joe but Tannenbaum could be privy to some inside intel. If Rodriguez is there at No. 77 when the Bucs pick in the third round, Joe couldn’t run up to the podium quickly enough.
Jacob Rodriguez is absolutely in play for the Bills in the 1st round.
The senior LB totaled 128 tackles, 4 INTs, and 7 forced fumbles in 2025.#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/4pVq35GZsM
— Bills Report (@BillsReport) March 23, 2026
March 29th, 2026 at 12:15 am
I don’t see how he makes it to the 3rd round an if he is there at 46 you Jump in him dude will be a star He can Do everything at LB I love him he is one of my Crushes in this draft
March 29th, 2026 at 12:18 am
When Jacob Rodriguez jumps in the ocean he doesn’t get wet. The ocean gets Jacob Rodriguez. Can we cool it with the glazing of this kid a little? The talk was about drafting good tacklers but he isn’t in the top 200 LBs when we measure by missed tackle rate.
Yes- those 7 FFs happened because of how he attacks ball carriers but also resulted in a lot of missed tackles. His “success rate” with his tackling style will be diminished in the NFL. He is fun to watch and has a future in the league but he is limited and the Bucs can get better value before and after he goes in this draft the way things are shaping up.
March 29th, 2026 at 12:18 am
He’s probably gone by 46, But I would jump on it or Hill jr too if there…those two pass my eye test. And if we cant get Ioane, im warming up to Cashius Howell at 15.
March 29th, 2026 at 12:21 am
I think he is a prime trade back candidate but surely not at 15.
Buffalo saying round 1 so he wont be a Buc.
March 29th, 2026 at 12:32 am
Failing to land Styles, Hill Jr, or Rodriguez would be a colossal failure by JL
March 29th, 2026 at 12:34 am
Mike Tannenbaum is certainly not privy to any inside information in this case. Texas Tech had their pro day the day before yesterday. I guess the Cowboys were there in full force, from the Jones to Schottenhiemer and a private jet and a lunch with Jacob Rodriguez. I hear that Dallas has a few picks in the first round and they are taking JRod(Juice) with the 20th overall pick. Unless someone gets him first. If I was only looking at film and stats JRod would be BPA by the 2nd pick of this draft. He won’t win the eyeball contest though. If he’s available with our first pick and we miss we don’t get him. Period. And I don’t know anybody could use him more than we could.
March 29th, 2026 at 12:34 am
Might as well trade down from 15 and land Hill Jr.
March 29th, 2026 at 12:39 am
Am starting to firmly believe trading down from 15 is the way to go for the Bucs in this draft.
Secure Hill Jr. It’s not like JL is going to trade up. So a trade is going to be necessary to land a top ILB unless we just reach in Rd 1
March 29th, 2026 at 12:40 am
Rodriguez would work tho, no way he is there in 3rd Rd, or even guaranteed in 2nd. 31 other teams see his accolades
March 29th, 2026 at 1:19 am
What happened to No risk it No biscuit
March 29th, 2026 at 1:34 am
He’ll be gone by the end of the 1st. If the Bucs really like him they should trade back to the bottom of the 1st. 15 is too high for him.
March 29th, 2026 at 1:40 am
Thinking the same thing Kgh, especially if Licht is able to trade back a bit to add another pick and then package that with our 2nd, etc to get back in. Two starters on 5 year deals on the 1st day would be a job well done.