The Miami Dolphins started the second round of the 2026 NFL draft by staying at pick No. 43 and taking Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriquez.

Displaying excellent sideline-to-sideline range as well as elite ball production, leading the nation in forced fumbles in 2025. He fits general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan’s athletic profile, having a 9.61 Relative Athletic Score.

Well decorated, being an All-Big 12 selection and All-American as well as winner of the Bednarik, Butkus, and Nagurski awards. Rodriguez started his college career at Virginia for one year and even played offense with time at running back, tight end, quarterback, and wide receiver. He then transferred to Texas Tech and spent four seasons there.

In 2025, Rodriguez had 128 total tackles (11 for loss), a sack, six passes defensed, four interceptions, seven forced fumbles and a pair of recoveries, with one going for a touchdown. In his Texas Tech career, he finishes with 316 combined tackles in 44 games, with 25.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, 12 passes defensed, six interceptions, 13 forced fumbles, five recoveries and two touchdowns.

As a linebacker, he has versatility and can play on the weak side for Miami, and eventually, perhaps take over for current inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks. The veteran could now be a potential trade candidate next season before the trade deadline to pick up 2027 draft capital in this rebuild.

Rodriguez could then step inside and be the man in the middle for head coach Jeff Hafley and Miami. He can also play well in coverage and is a potential future captain for the Dolphins.

Next for the Dolphins and Sullivan, if they stay put, will be three third-round picks, at Nos. 75, 87 and 90. They will then have seven more picks on Saturday on Day 3.

More Dolphins: Dolphins 2026 NFL Draft tracker: Pick-by-pick analysis

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: NFL draft: Why taking LB Jacob Rodriguez is smart move for Dolphins