Mel Kiper Calls For Bucs To Make Defensive Pick In Second Round
April 20th, 2026
Love this idea!
Joe would be close to calling the 2026 Bucs draft a success if the Bucs landed this dude.
As Joe has stated, you can never go wrong drafting a ballhawk. And perhaps the best ballhawk in the draft will be lying there on the sidewalk, waiting for Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht to pick him up.
That’s what helmethair Mel Kiper of BSPN thinks — that Texas Tech All-American linebacker Jacob Rodriguez will be there for the taking when the Bucs draft in the second round Friday night at pick No. 46.
46. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Lavonte David retired this offseason, ushering in a new era at linebacker for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay signed Alex Anzalone, and now it can add a true tackling elite. Rodriguez ranked second in tackles in the FBS over the past two seasons (252).
Joe would be floored if Rodriguez is still on the board after the first 10 picks of the second round, forget No. 46.
Maybe it’s just that NFL defensive coordinators don’t value inside linebackers anymore? But as good as Rodriguez is, it seems crazy to think maybe the best off-ball linebacker in college football would still be on the board after 45 picks.
Then again, Lavonte David was still on the board at pick No. 58 some 14 years ago.
.@BYUfootball @TexasTechFB @Jacob_R_10 if the Cougs wanna a chance to WIN the Big-12 Championship they better figure out a way to block Rodriguez. A legit @HeismanTrophy candidate. #GunsUp #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/eZaaAkM4aD
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) December 5, 2025
April 20th, 2026 at 7:15 am
If he’s the guy you want take him at 15. Forget value. He won’t be there at 46. Heck, he might not be there at 15.
April 20th, 2026 at 7:17 am
I love JRod but he won’t be there at #46. The benefit of trading down from #15 to the late 1st round is to pick up an early rd2 pick and get JRod.
April 20th, 2026 at 7:27 am
I like Rodriguez but his missed tackle rate (16.5%) is one of the highest of all the ILBs in this draft class…
When he gets to the pros will that rate improve?
Probably not.
April 20th, 2026 at 7:29 am
@Marine Buc
Yeah that’s what I worry about with Rodriguez, too!
April 20th, 2026 at 7:29 am
Marine Buc I mean he is a young player still and still developing that can definitely improve lol
April 20th, 2026 at 7:33 am
The Bucs will be able to get an impact ILB at 46
April 20th, 2026 at 7:41 am
trade down and get him!! last time we had that kinda speed at ILB we won it all
April 20th, 2026 at 7:51 am
Dallas is *very* likely to take J-rod at pick 20 in the first round. I’ve read that several places now.
April 20th, 2026 at 7:53 am
I think the Bucs should take J-rod round 1 and Malachi Lawrence round 2. Then go CB or DT, TE etc… Lawrence is really, really good and super fast.
April 20th, 2026 at 8:00 am
Marine Buc
i agree…
and yet folks want a LB that has a missed tackle rate of 16.5% @15 lol….
Anthony Hill and the kid from LSU(Perkins) for good players and they’ll be there in the 2nd or 3rd round…
GO BUCS!!!!
April 20th, 2026 at 8:07 am
For those of you questioning the “missed tackle “ rate: First you have to watch the tape because all “missed “ tackles are not the same.
Secondly, and more importantly is he an upgrade from SVD and 37 year old LVD?
Yes he is…..
Also you don’t draft 2nd round talent with a first round pick, that’s how you become an irrelevant franchise in the NFL
April 20th, 2026 at 8:08 am
For those of you questioning the “missed tackle “ rate: First you have to watch the tape because all “missed “ tackles are not the same.
Secondly, and more importantly is he an upgrade from SVD and 37 year old LVD?
Yes he is…..
Also you don’t draft 2nd round talent with a first round pick, that’s how you become an irrelevant franchise in the NFL.
April 20th, 2026 at 8:09 am
How do DCs not prioritize ILBs when the league loves throwing quick passes to backs, TEs, and slots? We saw how bad our defense was because Dennis couldn’t do the job. Take Rodriguez if you think he’ll become a pro bowl LB. It’s been awhile since Licht drafted a pro bowler.
April 20th, 2026 at 8:13 am
813bucboi. PFF grades are nonsense. Especially missed tackle rates. Marine Buc has good football sense but he is misinformed on this one. Tony worries about missed tackle rate too, so there may be something there? Nope. There isn’t. The guy is a tremendous tackler.
April 20th, 2026 at 8:13 am
J-ROD has the IT factor and is definitely on the radar of other teams! From the Buc’s standpoint, the best hope he isn’t drafted by a division team. Sadly, any quality defensive player will be neutered by the Buc’s HC/DC.
April 20th, 2026 at 8:18 am
I have seen in some mock drafts that CJ Allen seems to drop into the 2nd round as well. I hope Jason Licht is aggressive in this draft and gets the guys he wants by moving around on the first 2 days of the draft.
April 20th, 2026 at 8:19 am
@ Kenton
If the Bucs want an ILB in round #1 – I would prefer if they trade back a few picks (if possible) then draft CJ Allen from Georgia…
If we get J-Rod in round #2 and an OLB/IDL/CB in round #1 I am OK with that as well.
My surprise pick for the Bucs is the OG from Penn State – Ioane. Dude is a beast and our IOL was garbage last season.
Just ask Baker…
April 20th, 2026 at 8:23 am
BTW – CJ Allen led the Bulldogs in tackles last season with a 4.7% MTR…
April 20th, 2026 at 8:25 am
Rodriguez will be a better pro than CJ Allen.
Id be fine if they can’t trade down and grab him at 15.
As for Lawrence, he wont last until 46. Im guessing he goes in round 1 ahead of some the guys all these draft gurus have going in round 1.
JL stays pretty true to his board and drafting BPA, so Im not ruling out a OL or CB bring BPA at 15.
April 20th, 2026 at 8:36 am
Marine Buc. Yeah, I gotta admit Ioane is going to be a great NFL player. CJ Allen is a whale of a player too. And I don’t know how we could pass on that beast from Ohio State, McDonald. As good as I believe Mauch and Bredeson are, I don’t think we can go offensive line first. I think we have to go defense first. And second. And third. And fourth.
April 20th, 2026 at 8:39 am
I keep asking myself ‘Who do the Bucs have on the CURRENT roster on DEFENSE who they can build a TEAM around for a number of years?’ Say over the next 4-8 years. Forget Todd Bowles as HC and Jason Licht as GM.
Personally I’d limit it to (1) Tykee Smith; (2) Jacob Parrish; (3) YaYa Diaby. A bunch of guys fell out because of age (Vea, etc), but many were just ‘pieces in the puzzle’ who could be easily swapped out for better pieces.
Yet that’s not much of a foundation for the future. HOPEFULLY we can draft TWO players this year who’ll become part of that foundation, like we did in 1995 when we drafted Sapp & Brooks. And I’d love to see us take the same approach: NT/DT and ILB. Kayden McDonald in Rnd 1, then Jacob Rodriquez or Anthony Hill or CJ Allen in Rnd 2.
April 20th, 2026 at 8:41 am
@ Kenton
I agree – except your evaluation of Bredeson…
He was mediocre to slightly below mediocre before he blew his hammy.
It would be nice if Bredeson was our main back-up Center/OG instead of our starting OG.
Do you really want to see Dan Feeney, Haggard and Klein back on the field anytime soon?
I don’t…
April 20th, 2026 at 8:43 am
Really think Dallas will take Rodriguez, or Allen at 20. We should take one of them at 15, and not look back.
April 20th, 2026 at 8:45 am
@ DR
I noticed you did not mention Winfield Jr…
Was that intentional?
April 20th, 2026 at 8:53 am
I agree with Marine Buc. He looks like a great prospect and would definitely improve the horrific coverage the linebackers had last year. However, he has an extremely high missed tackle rate. If he is there at 46 grab him but no way is he the 15th best prospect with that high of a missed tackle rate.
April 20th, 2026 at 9:13 am
folks saying the missed tackles arent big issues are fooling themselves….
imply that logic to any other position on the field….its no bueno lol
if a QB had a high INT rate in college, only fools would think it would improve once they got to the pros…ie Jameis Winston
GO BUCS!!!!
April 20th, 2026 at 9:17 am
Marine Buc Says: Do you really want to see Dan Feeney, Haggard and Klein back on the field anytime soon?
been saying this all offseason!!!!
another question, do you want to bank on Mauch and his knee?….
Remember Jensen and Opta….both were “healed” and “ready to go” for TC and both re-injured their knee and were never the same players
GO BUCS!!!!
April 20th, 2026 at 9:22 am
@ 813
I agree.
Do you really believe an ILBs MTR will improve once he is attempting to tackle the best RBs in the NFL?
I’m sure J-Rods tackling will improve over time and training – however.
This ain’t Texas Tech homeboy…
You better improve that MTR ASAP or you will be FUBAR.
April 20th, 2026 at 9:23 am
@ 813
“another question, do you want to bank on Mauch and his knee?”
Ding – Ding – Ding – Ding…
We have a winner folks!
April 20th, 2026 at 10:42 am
Everyone seems to be in agreement that we DON’T need to blow another 1st on aNOTHER wasted edge. Either ILB or a dude like McDonald, then waste the SECOND round pick on an edge
April 20th, 2026 at 10:46 am
For the thousandteenth time, it doesn’t matter. Irrelevant. Meaningless.
Draft seven Pygmy hippos. Same same.
April 20th, 2026 at 10:58 am
They were talking about him on NFL network this morning , Solly loved him ,, said he runs side to side great , calls the defense (was a qb before???) they thought day 2 pick
April 20th, 2026 at 11:06 am
don’t know why everyone is in love with rodriguez. having the worst HC/DC doesn’t help. he can’t develop squat at any position. you need NFL ready players. mesidor is ready – rd 1. golday is ready – rd 2. mcclellan is ready – rd 3. In rd 4 there are some quality CB & LB still avail. just because you love a player, doesn’t mean he’ll pan out. especially when you have bowles. golday and even hill are taller, bigger, faster, and hit with purpose. that’s what this team needs. if a trade down occurs i guess this reply is for not.
April 20th, 2026 at 11:08 am
Joe’s you have thrown so much out there, would like to get your final guess. I really don’t know, I guess that is why Licht and Bowles gets paid the big bucks but is never held accountable.
April 20th, 2026 at 11:35 am
He looks really small and not very fast.
I do not think he will be a good NFL LB.
Do not waste à 2nd round pick on a small and slow MLB
April 20th, 2026 at 11:42 am
NLK says:
“I dont know why everyone is in love with Rodriguez”
Well he’s a leader, loves football, a turnover machine, fantastic in coverage, a better athlete than most LBer in this draft, averaged over 10 tackles at game last year, had over 250 tackles the last 2 years, forced 7 fumbles, had 4 INTS and fills a big need…
What’s not to love?
April 20th, 2026 at 12:37 pm
Golday would be ok then add Kyle Louis later
April 20th, 2026 at 12:43 pm
Todd loves the effort of his 32nd ranked red zone defense.
It’s not an effort issue. It’s schematic, per Todd.
If only they could fire the guy that is responsible for the scheme.
Our HC has the power to make that change.
Wait……never mind. He is that man!!!
April 20th, 2026 at 12:59 pm
Barrett Ruud, all over again……
April 20th, 2026 at 2:38 pm
Had to delve deeper into PFF and missed tackle rates. Try googling pff JRod missed tackles rate. Getting a hand on a guy qualifies as a missed tackle. Hmm. PFF also says for tackling efficiency look at tackling efficiency rate, not missed tackles rate. Hmm. PFF also says overall grade for JRod- 93.5. Highest among all FBS linebackers. PFF says 95.3 run defense grade for JRod. Highest of all college football players in the country! PFF says 92.7 coverage grade for JRod. The highest coverage grade of 809 linebackers in college football. PFF says 81 solo tackles for JRod. The most solo tackles in the power four. SEC, Big 10, Big 12, and PAC 12. PFF says 7 forced fumbles for JRod. That led the nation. I don’t know much. And the older I get the more I know that I don’t know. But someone is going to have to help me out with this. What am I not seeing here?
April 20th, 2026 at 5:16 pm
Watching all the various mocks, this is about the range for J-Rod, but it does vary quite a bit. A lot of places have Hill ahead of him, and I’ve even see Louis go ahead of him in some. I’d be happy with any of the three, but I’m still partial to Louis, I love LBs who are excellent in coverage and who get turnovers and are always making plays – that’s a combo that has worked well for the Bucs. But J-Rod and Hill are both right there. Personally I hope we’re able to trade back in the 1st and pick up an extra 2nd and get two of the three.
April 20th, 2026 at 5:32 pm
For fun, here’s Kipers ‘final’ mocks going back to 2020 for the Bucs…
2020: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU (Bucs traded up one spot, took Wirfs)
2021: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama (Bucs took JTS)
2022: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia (Bucs traded back got a 2nd, 4th and 6th, ended up with Logan Hall, Otton and Ko Kieft)
2023: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia (Bucs took Kancey)
2024: 1st. Chop Robinson, OLB, Penn State (Bucs took Graham Barton)
2024: 2nd. Zach Frazier, C/G, West Virginia (Bucs took Chris Braswell)
2025: 1st. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina (Bucs took e2)
2025: 2nd. Nic Scourton, DE – Texas A&M (Bucs took Benjamin Morrison)
April 20th, 2026 at 6:10 pm
Please take him at 15
April 20th, 2026 at 9:34 pm
Marine Buc … ‘I noticed you did not mention Winfield Jr. Was that intentional?’
Yes. This is Winfield’s 7th year as a Buc. 2026 was a ‘Potential Out’ year in his contract, but the Bucs didn’t go that route, so I expect he’ll be here thru 2027 (8 yrs as a Buc) to finish his contract. He’s the highest paid Safety in the NFL, but IMO hasn’t played like it under his present $84 mil, 4-yr contract. I don’t see him as being a ‘Building Block’ piece for the future on defense.
April 20th, 2026 at 11:16 pm
“ Marine Buc I mean he is a young player still and still developing that can definitely improve”
You would have to have a legitimate coaching staff.
April 21st, 2026 at 4:45 am
nah he won’t be there at 46…
he’s going no later than late first round…
big dog licht is gonna have to make a move to secure the tackling machine