The Miami Dolphins entered the 2026 NFL Draft with high expectations after trading wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos earlier this offseason. Armed with two first-round picks, they selected offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor and cornerback Chris Johnson—both projected to be immediate starters for the 2026 season. But the real buzz is building around their Day 2 selections, which could prove just as impactful.
With the 43rd overall pick on the second day of the draft, Miami grabbed Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick couldn't hide his excitement, calling Rodriguez a "turnover machine." "The No. 1 thing I loved about this dude is his point of attack play," Riddick said. "This dude is a turnover machine. He gets the ball out better than anyone, can catch the ball as well as any linebacker in the draft. He's just a flat out playmaker."
Rodriguez's journey to the NFL began at Virginia before he transferred to Texas Tech, where he spent four standout seasons. His trophy case is overflowing: he earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, All-American honors, and won the Chuck Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, Butkus Award, and Bronko Nagurski Trophy in his final season. Those accolades are backed by impressive numbers—Rodriguez forced 13 fumbles over 56 games, including an FBS-leading seven in 2025, and added six interceptions to his resume.
Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan confirmed Rodriguez's potential after the draft, stating he could be leading the defense in the near future. For a team looking to reload, this pick adds a dynamic playmaker who thrives on creating chaos. Whether you're a fan of game-changing defense or just love a player who disrupts offenses, Rodriguez is one to watch when the 2026 season kicks off.