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