The Miami Dolphins entered the NFL offseason with a clear mission: rebuild. And rebuild they did—stockpiling 13 draft picks and parting ways with several veteran stalwarts. With all that turnover, new faces are expected to dot the starting lineup on both sides of the ball. Rookies like Kadyn Proctor and Chris Johnson are already penciled in as immediate starters. But what about the rest of Miami's promising draft class?
According to a recent projection from Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport, one decision could leave Dolphins fans scratching their heads. Davenport mapped out Miami's entire starting roster for the 2026 season, and his linebacker picks raise some eyebrows.
Davenport projects Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson as the starting linebackers, with second-round rookie Jacob Rodriguez potentially pushing for playing time "sooner rather than later." While Brooks earning a starting nod is no surprise, seeing Dodson projected over Rodriguez is a head-scratcher—especially given the investment Miami made in the young linebacker.
The Dolphins selected Rodriguez in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and he wasn't just any late-round flier. The Texas Tech product generated first-round buzz before draft day and was widely regarded as a steal for Miami. He's the kind of playmaker who can wreak havoc from day one, bringing a blend of instincts, athleticism, and production that's hard to find.
Let's look at the numbers. In his final season with the Red Raiders, Rodriguez racked up 128 tackles, forced seven fumbles, and intercepted four passes. The year before? He posted 127 tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception, and five sacks. That's two straight seasons of elite production, and his knack for creating turnovers is exactly what Miami's defense needs.
The Dolphins should waste no time getting Rodriguez on the field. While Tyrel Dodson is a capable player, the ceiling of a second-round rookie with Rodriguez's pedigree is far higher. Head coach Jeff Hafley could use a commanding presence in the middle of his defense, and Rodriguez has the tools to be exactly that. For a team in the midst of a rebuild, tapping into that potential early isn't just smart—it's essential.