The Miami Dolphins came into the NFL offseason with a plan to rebuild, and they've done just that with a 13-pick draft class and the departure of multiple key veterans.
After so much change, there is bound to be a lot of new starters on both sides of the ball. Kadyn Proctor and Chris Johnson will start right away for this team, but what about their other rookies?
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport projected the entire starting roster for the Dolphins in 2026, and the projected decision for second-round rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was a noteworthy one.
"LB Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson," Davenport projects. "... At linebacker, second-round pick Jacob Rodriguez could push for playing time sooner rather than later."
While Jordyn Brooks earning a starting linebacker spot is expected, seeing Dodson projected over Rodriguez would be a decision that is very questionable.
Dolphins projected to start Dodson over Rodriguez at LB
The Dolphins took Rodriguez in the second round as a linebacker who had garnered some first-round buzz before the 2026 NFL Draft.
He was a great pick for Miami, as he should be a game-wrecker right away for the Dolphins' defense.
However, Davenport is projecting the Dolphins will start Brooks and Dodson over him. But that should not be the case for the 23-year-old linebacker.
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Rodriguez had 128 tackles for Texas Tech last season to go along with a ridiculous seven forced fumbles and four interceptions. The year prior, he had three forced fumbles, one pick, and five sacks to go with 127 tackles.
Miami should start Rodriguez right away, as the 2026 second-rounder might be able to give Jeff Hafley a commanding force in the middle of his defense.
Even though Dodson isn't a terrible player, the potential of Rodriguez is something this Dolphins team should try their best to tap into. Rodriguez has Defensive Rookie of the Year potential, and sitting him to begin the year would be a mistake.
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